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Unionville-Chadds Ford Schools
Set on 7.3 exceedingly private acres in Pocopson Township, sits this spectacular, Tudor style home featuring a wonderful main level Primary Suite with “His” and “Her” bathrooms, Walk-in Closets, a private Office, and a large Bedroom. The home boasts 5 Bedrooms, 8.3 Bathrooms plus a four room guest/ in-law suite easily accessed by way of the home’s three level elevator. The main level Living Room, Dining Room, incredible Kitchen, and stellar Family Room must be seen to be appreciated! All of the Bedrooms enjoy En-Suite Bathrooms. The Lower Level features an amazing Wine Cellar, Theater, Game Room and second Family Room. This fabulous property is located with easy access to Wilmington plus set in the nationally ranked UnionvilleChadds Ford School District!
$3,595,000
Located in the award-winning Unionville-Chadds Ford School District and set on 2.6 acres, this fabulous 4 BR, 4.1 BA home boasts approximately 6,500 square feet of living space. The home’s design, construction, workmanship and finishes are of the highest caliber. Featured are a superior Kitchen, walls of raised panel wainscoting, arched access ways, superior moldings, gorgeous quarter sawn oak flooring, multiple fireplaces - the list goes on! The main level’s Primary Bedroom Suite is complete with a stunning bathroom, large walk-in closets, and an adjoining Home Office with a fireplace. There are 3 attached garage spaces plus a separate 2 car garage with additional storage above. The home features energy efficient geothermal heating and cooling and has been immaculately maintained!
$1,695,000
October 2023
Volume XLVII Number 2
PUBLISHER
Edwin Malet EDITOR
Jo Anne Durako
ART DIRECTOR
Harvey Walls
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Marci Tomassone
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Shannon Montgomery
WWelcome, October! One of our favorite months in the Brandywine Valley.
That’s just one reason Shannon Montgomery takes us on a tour “Across County Lines,” highlighting what’s new and interesting in Chester and Delaware Counties, the western Main Line and northern Delaware. Austin Littrell and Mackenzie Taylor invite you on a different kind of tour in “Chester County’s Scary Stories and Haunted Tours.”
Prefer to start with just one town? Emily Hart suggests “Destination Phoenixville.” The borough is bustling with cyclists, dogwalkers, early shoppers with fresh food and flowers. Go there on Saturday and visit Phoenixville’s community hub, its farmers market. In Brandywine Table’s Market Series, Courtney H. Diener-Stokes finds food there for fall plus recipes including vegan beef Wellington and maple apple-cherry crisp.
Because October demands we be outdoors, Ed Malet visits Hawk Mountain ahead of the great raptor migration in “Look! A Hawk! A Kettle of Hawks!” Meanwhile Welkinweir’s Victoria Laubach stays at home to help you “Create a Vibrant Autumn in Your Own Backyard.”
October is also when many students (and families) are “Prepping for College Admission Changes.” Cara Corridoni looks at the current landscape and gets advice from school administrators. For more on schools, check our “Guide to Private, Independent & Cyber Schools & Arts Education” compiled by Marci Tomassone.
Families and others may want to know what’s up with the ever-changing housing market. Laurel Anderson shares what she learned from local agents in “Fall Real Estate Market.”
Finally, we toast October with cocktails and the theater. In “Make Mine a Martini,” Elizabeth Hughes collects several variations on the classic, plus a recipe for the classic. And in our Theater Spotlight, we preview the glitzy musical The Prom, opening October 2 at The Media Theatre. Support local live theater!
As always, we have the Best Local Events to keep you busy all month long.
Thank you for reading.
Jo Anne Durako EditorFOOD EDITOR
Courtney H. Diener-Stokes
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Susan Gillespie
Kim Ross
Scott Armstrong
BUSINESS MANAGER
Debra M. French
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Laurel Anderson / Cara Corridoni
Emily Hart / Elizabeth Hughes
Shelley Laurence / Carol Metzker
Liz Tarditi
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brenda Carpenter
Wil Moore / Timlyn Vaughan
INTERNS
Austin Littrell / Erin McGinniss
Mackenzie Taylor
CONTACT US AT ValleyDel Publications, Inc.
515 S. Franklin St., Ste. 100 West Chester, PA 19382. 610-918-9300. Info@ValleyDel.com
Issue: $5.00
Subscriptions: $36/print; $12/digital Advertising: 610-918-9300
TO GET OUR NEWSLETTER Send an email to Info@ValleyDel.com
To find County Lines, check our website’s “Get A Copy” page, pick one up at Main Point Books, Wellington Square Bookshop, Reads & Company and specialty food markets, or visit advertisers listed in the Index.
SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE
Certified Sourcing
www.sfiprogram.org
SFI-01268
County Lines Vols. XLVII No. 2. Copyright, 2023 by ValleyDel Publications. All rights reserved. County Lines and County Lines Magazine (ISSN 0195-4121) are registered names of ValleyDel Publications, Inc. Use of these names without the consent of ValleyDel Publications, Inc. may subject the infringer to penalty and suit as provided by law.
22
23
26
32
THEATER SPOTLIGHT
The Prom at The Media Theatre
LOOK! A HAWK! A KETTLE OF HAWKS!
It’s a short trip to visit Hawk Mountain.
Edwin Malet
ACROSS COUNTY LINES
This fall, take a drive through the scenic Brandywine Valley.
Shannon Montgomery
CREATE A VIBRANT AUTUMN IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
Trees and shrubs for autumn color
Victoria Laubach, Welkinweir
36
42
DESTINATION PHOENIXVILLE
Visit for the food, art, events and community spirit
Emily Hart
CHESTER COUNTY’S SCARY STORIES AND HAUNTED TOURS
Spooky picks for the season
Austin Littrell and Mackenzie Taylor
46 PREPPING FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION CHANGES
The landscape has changed, and area private schools help navigate the new terrain.
Cara Corridoni
51 GUIDE TO PRIVATE, INDEPENDENT & CYBER SCHOOLS & ARTS EDUCATION
Edited by Marci Tomassone
61 FALL REAL ESTATE MARKET
Still tight, but creative thinking can help Laurel Anderson
63 MAKE MINE A MARTINI
66
Local bars and restaurants share special recipes
Elizabeth Hughes
BRANDYWINE TABLE
Market Series: Phoenixville Farmers Market
Courtney H. Diener-Stokes
Chester
Cover photo by Matt Freeman of Rolling Plains Farm, part of the 2021 County Day Tour
Pretty Pumpkins. Get your home fall-ready with a handcrafted centerpiece at Longwood Gardens’ Foraged and Succulent Pumpkins workshop on Tuesday, October 10 and 24 at 6 p.m. You can make two or three unique arrangements using locally picked pumpkins, foraged and dried foliage, flowers, mosses and fresh succulents. The workshop includes a design demo, materials, light refreshments and exclusive access to The Garden Shop. $116–$128. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. LongwoodGardens.org
Local Story. Need a fall read? Pick up a copy of Emotional Brandywine (Regent Press), a collaboration between local author Bruce E. Mowday and artist Karl J. Kuerner. A companion to their 2020 book, Emotional Gettysburg, the new release features 22 paintings by Kuerner (mentored by Andrew and Carolyn Wyeth) depicting the 1777 Battle of Brandywine accompanied by essays from Mowday. Release date is October 1, or reserve a signed copy by emailing Mowday@Mowday.com.
Local Bachelor. Congrats to Joey Graziadei, Royserford native and WCU alum, on becoming the next lead on ABC’s hit show, The Bachelor. Graziadei, who teaches tennis in Hawaii, was a finalist on the most recent season of The Bachelorette, which included a visit to Graziadei’s hometown. During that finale, it was announced that he’ll be looking for love in Season 28 of The Bachelor, airing 2024. Stay tuned for more of this local hottie! ABC.com/Shows/The-Bachelor
All Aboard. Round up the kiddos and don your favorite costume for the West Chester Railroad’s Halloween Special. Take in the scenic Chester Creek Valley in all its fall splendor and collect tasty treats along the way during this family-friendly train ride to the historic Glen Mills station and back. October 28 & 29 and November 5 at noon & 2 p.m. Adults, $22; kids, $18; under 2, free. Depart 230 E. Market St., West Chester. WCRailroad.com.
Book Nook. Calling all bookworms! The Kennett Bookhouse is transforming into The Bookhouse Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Kennett Square featuring four rooms, two with personal libraries. Expect cozy vibes, Horn & Hardart coffee and, of course, plenty of books. Follow them @TheBookhouseHotel on Facebook and Instagram for updates. 130 S. Union St., Kennett Square. TheBookhouseHotel.com
Just a few things we’d thought you’d like to know this month ] [Good
October 6
Explore the vibrant art scene in downtown West Chester. Six galleries combine with additional “one-night-only” venues throughout the downtown area to showcase Chester County artists. Many stops will have refreshments available as you browse. Presented by Sunset Hill Jewelers and Fine Arts Gallery and hosted by the West Chester Business Improvement District. 4 to 8 p.m. Free parking. Visit the website for a map, DowntownWestChester.com
October 12–15
Celebrating 99 years of agriculture and community in southern Chester County with family activities, music, animal exhibits, 5K Run & Walk, food, beer and wine garden, Cheshire Hunt Conservancy Foxhounds, auctions and more. New this year, kick off the fair with the first annual Thursday Night Tailgate featuring line dancing, music and raffle, 5 p.m. Landhope Farms, 113 E. Street Rd., Kennett Square. Fri., 2 to 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. to 4. $5, $10 per car. UCFair.org
October 19–21
Three-Day Eventing is the ultimate test of horse and rider, and this is one of only two 5 Star events in the country and one of seven worldwide. Take in all of the retail shopping areas, enjoy the variety of interactive fan experiences, and sample the delicious bites and beverages around the venue. Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, 4600 Telegraph Rd., Elkton, MD (Cecil County). Gates open at 7 a.m. daily. $15–$53. Maryland5Star.us
October 21
Come run the 5K or muck (walk) the cross-country trail over diverse terrain. Dress appropriately. Enjoy food, beer, wine, a bonfire, live music, lawn games, mechanical bull rides and more. 912 Providence Rd., Newtown Square. 2:30 p.m. $20–$45. WCTrust.org/Run-A-Muck
October 22
Grab your four-legged running or walking buddy and get ready for a great morning. Join TLC Rescue and adoptable dogs for a fun 5K race and 1-mile fun walk raising money for veterinary care for rescue dogs. Register for a virtual option to run or walk whenever it fits your (or your dog’s) schedule best. Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Rd., Wayne. Race starts at 9 a.m. $25–$40. TLCRescuePA.com.
THROUGH OCTOBER 31
Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport. Gather family and friends and let the Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport guide you to a memorable weekend escape, providing access to 12 of Wilmington’s and the Brandywine Valley’s top attractions. $49–$99. VisitWilmingtonDE.com
THROUGH NOVEMBER 5
Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards. A family tradition featuring lots of activities including hayrides, pick-your-own apples and mazes. 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media. Daily 8 to 6. Visit website for tickets. Linvilla.com
THROUGH NOVEMBER
First Sundays
Steamin’ Day at Marshall Steam Museum. Climb into an antique automobile or board one of the trains and experience what it was like to travel at the turn of the 20th century. Enjoy kids activities and crafts, then tour the 1897 mansion that was home to three generations of the Marshall family. Auburn Heights, 3000 Creek Rd., Yorklyn, DE. 12:30 to 4:30 pm. $4–$12. AuburnHeights.org
OCTOBER 1
Fall Harvest & Great Pumpkin Patch at The Willows. Tractor and pony rides, pumpkin patches and painting, hayrides, music and refreshments. 490 Darby-Paoli Rd., Radnor.
1 to 4. Free. Rain date, Oct. 8. Radnor.com
OCTOBER 5 & 19
Winterthur—Storytime in Enchanted Woods. Children ages 3–6 sit among the Story Stones to hear nature-based stories. Oct.
5: Tidy by Emily Gravet. Oct. 19: Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson. 5105 Kennett Pk., Winterthur, DE. $8–$22. 11 am. Included with admission. Winterthur.org
OCTOBER 7
Truck & Tractor Day at Winterthur Museum of Art. Get up close to trucks and tractors, check out other vehicles and equipment, suit up in firefighter gear, take a hayride and even milk a mechanical cow. 5105 Kennett Pk., Winterthur, DE. 10 to 4. $6–$20. Winterthur.org
OCTOBER 8
Upper Main Line Rotary Oktoberfest
Main Line. Games, pumpkin decorating, face painting and bouncy obstacle courses for the kids, plus live music, dancing, a dog costume contest, German food and a great beer selection — all under a huge tent. Rain or shine. Church of the Good Samaritan, 212 W. Lancaster Ave., Paoli. Noon to 7. Adults, $15. UMLRotary.org.
OCTOBER 8
Westtown Day 2023. This family event features something for everyone. Carnival games, petting zoo, Bubbletopia, kid’s architectural dig box, historical reenactors, face painter, local vendors, live music and much more Oakbourne Park, 1014 S. Concord Rd., West Chester. 11 to 3. Free. WesttownPA.org.
OCTOBER 14
Downingtown Fall Festival. A day of community and giving where you’ll enjoy artisanal craft vendors, quality thrifting, homemade soup and chili, baked goods and kids’ activities. Downingtown Friends Meeting, 800 E.Lancaster Ave., Downingtown. 9 to 4. Free. DowningtownFriendsMeeting.org.
OCTOBER 19–21
The Great Pumpkin Carve 2023. Over 70 giant pumpkins are carved by local artists and will then be lit and displayed. Enjoy a kid-friendly Haunted Trail, raffle prizes and live music. Food, local craft beer and wine are available for purchase. Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Rd., Chadds Ford. Thurs–Fri, 4 to 9; Sat, 3 to 9. $5–$15. GreatPumpkinCarve.com
Sundays
West Chester Railroad Fall Foliage Express. Enjoy a brisk fall afternoon along the picturesque Chester Creek Valley on a 90-minute journey back in time to the village of Glen Mills and return. Trains depart the station at 203 E. Market St., West Chester. Noon and 2 pm. $18–$22. WCRailroad.com
OCTOBER 14
The Lights Festival at Plantation Field. Ignite your personalized sky lantern and let it take flight as you share stories, laughter and heartfelt moments with fellow sky gazers. Enjoy food, live music, dancing and the sight of the sky lit with thousands of lanterns. 1547 W. Doe Run Rd., Kennett Square. Gates open at 3 pm. $58–$68. TheLightsFest.com
OCTOBER 25
West Chester Halloween Parade. Begins on Market St. between Church & Darlington. Marching bands and cheerleading performances featured. Market St. 7 pm. Rain date, Oct. 27. West-Chester.com.
OCTOBER 28
American Helicopter Museum Haunted Helicopters. Come in costume and enjoy activities and treats at the museum. 1220 American Blvd.,West Chester. 6 to 8 pm. $15. Under 12, free. AmericanHelicopter.Museum.
OCTOBER 28, 29, NOVEMBER 5
West Chester Railroad Halloween Special. Wear your favorite costume and ride to the Glen Mills station. Explore the historic station and picnic grove and collect a few treats while on the train. Trains depart the station at 203 E. Market St., West Chester. Noon and 2 pm. $18–$22. WCRailroad.com
Figments (Of Your Imagination)—Exhibit at The Art Trust. The exhibit celebrates the fantasy/dreams/nightmares of the season through contemporary art, featuring four artists whose work invites wonder, remembrances and storytelling. Oct. 6, reception, 4 to 8 pm. Oct. 18, artists’ talk, 7 to 8 pm. 16 W. Market St., West Chester. TheArtTrust.org
OCTOBER 8 & 22
Clover Market. Shop from a curated lineup offering handmade, antique and vintage wares, plus enjoy food trucks, music and more at two locations in October. Oct. 8, 7 N. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr. Oct. 22, 600 S. Broad St. parking lot, Kennett Square. 10 to 4. Free. TheCloverMarket.com
OCTOBER 21 & 22
Hagley Craft Fair. Artisans from the Mid-At-
lantic area will display and sell their fine arts, crafts and gourmet items. Refreshments available for purchase from a variety of local food trucks. Hagley Museum & Library, 298 Buck Rd., Wilmington. Sat, 10 to 5; Sun, 10 to 4. $5. Hagley.org
NOVEMBER 9–12
Winterthur’s 59th Annual Delaware Antiques Show. The in-person show features more than 60 distinguished dealers in American antiques and decorative arts. Preview Party, Thurs, 5 to 9, tickets $125 and up. Proceeds help support educational initiatives through the Museums for All program. Chase Center, 815
Justison St., Wilmington. Fri–Sat, 11 to 6; Sun, 11 to 5. $25. 302-888-4803; Winterthur.org
BOOKS
OCTOBER 1
Book Signing & Lecture at Winterthur Museum & Library. Du Pont Gardens of the Brandywine Valley is a new book that celebrates the du Pont family heritage of land stewardship and horticultural creativity, as seen in five du Pont estates—Hagley, Longwood Gardens, Nemours Estate, Mt. Cuba Center and Winterthur. 5105 Kennett Pk., Winterthur, DE. 1 pm. $75 includes sparkling wine toast, lecture and a signed copy of the book. Winterthur.org
OCTOBER 5, NOVEMBER 2
Wellington Square Bookshop. NonFiction Book Group: Oct. 5, The Pioneers by David McCullough; Nov. 2, North of Normal by Cea Sunrise Person. 7 pm. 549 Wellington Sq., Exton. WellingtonSquareBooks.com.
OCTOBER 26
Main Point Book Club. Oct. 26, NonFiction Book Group: Eat a Peach by David Chang, 7 pm. 116 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne. MainPointBooks.com
OCTOBER 21–22
First State Ballet Presents Coppélia. This charming classic filled with laughs and delightful music and dancing is perfect for young audiences. The Grand, Copeland Hall, 818 N. Market St.,Wilmington. Sat, 7 pm; Sun, 2. $29–$67. TheGrandWilmington.org
partners. 763 S. Valley Forge Rd., Wayne. 10 to 4. $2–$10. StDavidsChurch.org/Fair
Artisan Exchange, 208 Carter Dr. Unit 13 B, West Chester. Sat, 10 to 1. ArtisanExchange.net
*Berwyn Farmers Market, 573 E. Lancaster Ave. in Handel’s parking lot. Sun, 10 to 1. CulinaryHarvest.com
Bryn Mawr Farmers Market, Lancaster Ave. Bryn Mawr train station lot. Sat, 9 to 1. FarmToCityMarkets.com
Market at Coverdale Farm Preserve, 543 Way Rd., Greenville, DE. Fri, 2 to 7; Sat, 10 to 5; Sun, 11 to 3. DelNature.org
Downingtown Farmers Market, Kerr Park, Log House Field, 28 E. Pennsylvania Ave. Sat, 9 to 1. GrowingRootsPartners.com
OCTOBER 7
Newlin Grist Mill Fall Harvest Festival. This year’s theme, “Food Traditions Past and Present” will highlight foods and cooking from the 18th century, along with the trades that made it possible to put food on the table in early America. Modern food trucks will also be on site offering a variety of delicious eats. 219 Cheyney Rd., Glen Mills. 10 to 4. $5 parking. NewlinGristMill.org
OCTOBER 14
Eagleview Farmers Mkt., Eagleview Town Ctr., 570 Wellington Sq., Exton. Thurs, 3 to 6:30. GrowingRootsPartners.com
Kennett Square Farmers Mkt., 401 Birch St. Fri, 3 to 6. KSQFarmersMarket.com
Lancaster County Farmers Mkt., 389 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne. Wed, Fri & Sat, 6 to 4. LancasterCountyFarmersMarket.com
Malvern Farmers Market, Burke Park, 26 S. Warren Ave. Sat, 9 to 1. 484-753-6363; GrowingRootsPartners.com.
OCTOBER 13 & 14
Radnor Hunt Horse Trials. This triathlon event features horses and riders competing in three different disciplines: dressage, show jumping and cross country. And new this year are Starter and Beginner Novice divisions. Radnor Hunt Club, 826 Providence Rd., Malvern. Fri, cross-country courses open for walking at 3 pm; Sat, gates open at 8 am. Free. RadnorHuntHorseTrials.org.
NOVEMBER 5
89th Running of the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup. A timber steeplechase race with a distance of 4 miles and 22 fences. Enjoy vendors, a carriage parade and, new this year, tailgating under tents. North of Rt. 926 and Newark Rd., Unionville. Gates open, 10:30. $75 in advance (visit website); $100 on the day. Benefits Chester Co. Food Bank. PAHuntCup.org.
THROUGH OCTOBER 29
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. A cast of hundreds fill the shire. Visit the website for themed weekends such as Fairies and Fantasy and Pyrate Invasion Weekends. Mt. Hope Estate, 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. Sat–Sun, 11 to 8. $17–$37. PARenFaire.com
OCTOBER 7
172nd Annual St. David’s Country Fair. A fun-filled day for the whole family with flea market, food booths, antiques and more. Midway games and prizes, mini-train ride and pumpkin-painting. Benefits the church’s 30+ outreach
Rock Hall Fall Fest. While the oyster is the star of the show, this festival features all the highlights of Kent County, including a variety of live music performances, children’s activities, music and craft vendors and, of course, lots of oysters. General parking is located at 21125 Sharp St., Rock Hall, MD. 10 to 4. RockHallFallFest.org
FOOD & BREWS
OCTOBER 6
First Fridays at the Farm—Coverdale Farm Preserve. Enjoy live music plus food, beer, wine, soft drinks, lawn games and visiting the animals. Picnic blankets or chairs encouraged. 543 Way Rd., Greenville, DE. 5 to 7:30. DelawareNatureSociety.org
OCTOBER 7
Historic Kennett Brewfest. The Connoisseur Session ticket includes food pairings from Talula’s Table and live music, unlimited tastings, brewfest tasting mug, noon to 5, $85. The regular Brewfest session features unlimited tastings from over 70 local and regional craft breweries and cideries as well as live music, food trucks and vendors, 1:30 to 5, $60. Benefits Kennett Collaborative. 600 S. Broad St., Kennett Square. KennettBrewfest.com.
OCTOBER 7
Oktoberfest at Locust Lane. Enjoy Locust Lane German bier, Bavarian food specials, games, prizes and good times. Come dressed in traditional German attire and receive a free giveaway. 50 Three Tun Rd., Malvern. Starts at 1 pm. Free. LocustLaneCraftBrewery.com
Media Farmers Market, Edgemont St. between Front & State Sts. Sun, 10 to 1. FarmToCityMarkets.com.
New Garden Growers Market, 8934 Gap Newport Pk., Landenberg. Sat, 9 to noon. Facebook.com/ NewGardenGrowersMarket
Newtown Square Farmers Mkt., 3625 Chapel Rd. Fri, 3 to 6. Facebook.com/ NewtownSquareFarmersMarket
Phoenixville Farmers Market, 200 Mill St. Sat, 9 to noon.
PhoenixvilleFarmersMarket.org.
Pottstown Farmers Mkt., 100 E. High St. Every other Sat starting May 14, 9–1. PottstownFarm.org.
Rodney Square Farmers Market, 10th & N. Market St., Wilmington. Wed, 10 to 2. 302-425-0196.
*Royersford Farmers Market, 2nd Ave. across from Victory Park. Sat, 9 to noon. RoyersfordRecreation.com.
Swarthmore Farmers Market, 121 Park Ave., next to Swarthmore Borough Hall Sat, 9 to noon. SwarthmoreFarmersMarket.org.
Thornbury Farmers Mkt. & CSA, 1256 Thornbury Rd., West Chester. Sat, 9 to 6; Sun, 11 to 5. ThornburyFarmCSA.com.
Thornton Farmers Mkt., 330 Glen Mills Rd. Sat, 10 to 1. Facebook.com/ ThorntonFarmersMarket
West Chester Growers Mkt., Chestnut & Church Sts. Sat, 9 to 1. WestChesterGrowersMarket.com
West Reading Farmers Mkt., 598 Penn Ave. Sun, 9 to 1. GrowingRootsPartners.com
Westtown Amish Market, 1165 Wilmington Pk., West Chester. Thur, 9 to 6; Fri, 9 to 7; Sat, 8 to 4.
WestChesterAmishMarket.com
* New Markets
OCTOBER 8
West Chester’s 21st Annual Chili Cook-Off. Downtown West Chester gets spicy! Over 70 chili-cooking teams—businesses, nonprofits, hometown cooks—line the streets for this cookoff and compete for prizes in several categories. Gates open at 10:30 am; awards ceremony at 3:30 pm. Benefits local nonprofits. Gay St., West Chester. WestChesterChiliCookOff.com
OCTOBER 8
State Street Fall Festival in Media. State Street in downtown Media will be alive with a mix of food, music, artists, crafters, nonprofits and family fun. Rain date, Oct. 15. 11 to 5. VisitMediaPA.com/FallFest.
OCTOBER 14
Delaware Beer Fest. Sample beer from local breweries and national brands as well as a variety of wine and spirits. Enjoy live music, shop from local artisans, taste the delicious food and challenge your friends to games. Figure-8 Barn at Bellevue State Park, 800 Carr Rd., Wilmington. VIP, noon to 5, $70; gen. adm., 1 to 5, $50. DelawareBeerFest.com.
OCTOBER 14
East Goshen Township Food Truck and Music Festival. A great day for the whole fam-
ily with 10+ food trucks, a beer and wine garden, live music and more. 1580 Paoli Pk., West Chester. 2:30 to 6:30. Free. EastGoshen.org.
NOVEMBER 5
Good Food Fest. A celebration of local food and agriculture, bringing farmers, food makers and the community together. Enjoy music, food trucks, a pouring room, demonstrations, kids activities, farm animals and more. Kimberton Fair Grounds, 762 Pike Springs Rd., Phoenixville. 11 to 4. $5, early bird entry $25 at 10 am. GoodFarmsGoodFood.com
FUNDRAISERS
See Outdoor Activities also.
OCTOBER 2
People’s Light Golf Classic 2023. Your tee time is reserved at the historic Waynesborough Country Club, Darby Paoli Rd., Paoli. Check-in/lunch, 10 am; noon start; 4:30 cock-
tails/dinner. Benefits People’s Light Arts Education programs. Register at PeoplesLight.org
OCTOBER 6
Paoli Hospital Auxiliary Luncheon and Fashion Show. “A Passion for Fashion” features designs by Posh, Silver Linings, Chicos, VanCleve and Lilly Pulitzer along with a boutique, raffle, gifts and lunch. Benefits the hospital’s greatest needs. Desmond Hotel in Malvern, One Liberty Blvd., Malvern. 11 am. $75. PaoliAuxiliary.org.
OCTOBER 10
Chester County Futures Golf Classic. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of golf at Applebrook Golf Club while supporting a good cause. The day will also include a lunch buffet, cocktails and awards dinner reception. 100 Line Rd., Malvern. Registration 11:30, start at 1. CCFutures.org.
OCTOBER 12
Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. Recognizing the best in our community including Business of the Year. Desmond Hotel & Conference Center, One Liberty Blvd., Malvern. Cocktail hour starts 5:30 pm, and awards begin around 6:45. Tickets $150 and up. GreaterWestChester.com.
OCTOBER 13
Willows Mansion Presents Twilight on the Terrace. Enjoy an evening under the stars celebrating the past, present and future of Willows Mansion. Featuring light fare, open bar, auction and raffle. 490 Darby Paoli Rd., Villanova. 6 pm. $125. WillowsParkPreserve.org
OCTOBER 13
17th Annual Gravediggers’ Ball. Fundraiser of the Friends of Laurel Hill and West Laurel Hill Cemeteries. Enjoy open bar, great food, music and auction items. Black-tie, costume or masquerade attire requested. Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia. 7 pm. Tickets start at $350. GravediggersBall.org.
OCTOBER 21
Halloween Hoe Down at The Barn at Spring Brook Farm. The evening will feature dinner, beverages, entertainment and a silent auction. Costumes encouraged but optional. Benefits the programs that enrich the lives of children with disabilities. 360 Locust Grove Rd., West Chester. 6 to 10. Tickets $125 and up. Springbrook-Farm.org/Hoe-Down
OCTOBER 24
Notable Fall Fête. Enjoy boutique shopping and luncheon with friends at Merion Cricket Club, 325 Montgomery Ave., Haverford. Presented by the Main Line Committee for the Philadelphia Orchestra to benefit the Orchestra’s educational programs. 10 to 2:30 pm. Contact 267-968-7956; StacyVStone@gmail.com.
1940s vintage attire or military uniform and enjoy light refreshments. Benefits the museum. 300 Gap Rd., Strasburg. 7 to 10. $20–$25. RRMuseumPA.org.
OCTOBER 31–NOVEMBER 5
41st Annual French & Pickering’s Annual Auction. Oct. 31–Nov. 5, online auction. Nov. 4, in-person auction—enjoy cocktails, auctions and delicious food. Benefits French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust. Stonewall Golf Club, Bulltown Rd., Elverson. 6 pm. Tickets $125 and up. FrenchAndPickering.org
OCTOBER 3–23
Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition Events. Walks, golf tournaments, workshops and more. Visit their website to get involved, DEBreastCancer.org/ DBCC-Events
OCTOBER 14
PA Breast Cancer Coalition Kicks For A Cause. A kickball tournament taking place at Upland Park, 280 6th St., Upland. $10 per player, 10 player minimum per team, double elimination rules. Benefits breast cancer research in Pennsylvania. PABreastCancer.org
OCTOBER 28
OCTOBER 7
Delaware Nature Society Fall Native Plant Sale. Shop a variety of native plants for a yard that supports clean water, birds, butterflies and more. Benefits conservation and protection of waterways. Coverdale Farm Preserve, 543 Way Rd., Greenville, DE. 9 to 2. Free. DelawareNatureSociety.org
MUSEUMS
THROUGH JANUARY 7
Winterthur Museum. “Ann Lowe: American Couturier,” featuring 40 iconic gowns, many that have never been on public display. 5105 Kennett Pk., Winterthur, DE. Tues–Sun, 10 to 5. $8–$22. Winterthur.org.
2023 Komen National More Than Pink Walk Where You Are. Join online for the virtual opening ceremony and Race/Walk celebration. Then walk all day long on the treadmill, your neighborhood sidewalk or the paths of your favorite park or trail. KomenPhiladelphia.org
NOVEMBER 9
Harvest — 11th Annual Chef Tasting Event. Featuring unique farm-to-table culinary creations from top chefs, with offerings from wineries, breweries, spirit vendors and zero-proof non-alcoholic beverages. The evening also features auctions, a wine grab and live musical entertainment. Phoenixville Foundry, 2 N. Main St., Phoenixville. 5:30 pm. $175–$250. UniteForHer.org/Harvest
OCTOBER 26
Home of the Sparrow’s “Power of Your Purse” Fashion Show. Enjoy an evening of fun, fashion and philanthropy with onsite shopping with local shops and women-owned businesses, a silent auction, a drawing for a Louis Vuitton bag, full-course dinner and a show hosted by QVC host Jayne Brown. The Desmond, One Liberty Blvd., Malvern. 5 to 8 pm. $100. HomeOfTheSparrow.org.
NOVEMBER 4
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania 19th Annual 1940s Swing Dance. Jump, Jive & Swing to the big band playing live among the historic trains. Dress to impress in your best
Brandywine Museum of Art. Through Feb. 18, “Abstract Flash: Unseen Andrew Wyeth” opening in the newly renovated Andrew Wyeth Gallery and featuring 38 never-before-seen abstract watercolors. Oct. 6–Jan. 21, “Allan Freelon: Painter, Printmaker, Teacher.” Oct. 14–Feb. 25, “Rooted: Family and Nature in
NOVEMBER 11
Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s Annual Black-tie Gala—Butterfly Ball: Life in Bloom. One of LBBC’s most important events. Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market St., Philadelphia. $400. LBBC.org
Contemporary Children’s Book Illustration.” Rt. 1, Chadds Ford. Wed–Mon, 9:30 to 4:30. $8–$20. Brandywine.org.
special guest Phazed. 102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square. Times and tickets, 484-732-8295; KennettFlash.org.
OCTOBER 5–26
Live Music at King of Prussia Town Center. Oct. 5, Carmen Tomassetti; Oct. 12, Anthem Arcade; Oct. 19, Greg Snyder Duo; Oct. 26, Tony Alosi. 155 Village Dr. (in front of Davio’s), King of Prussia. 6 to 8 pm. Free. KingOfPrussia-TownCenter.com
OCTOBER 5–NOVEMBER 1
Nov. 3, Dave Matthews Tribute Band; Nov. 4, The Brit Pack 226 N. High St., West Chester,. Times and tickets, UptownWestChester.org.
OCTOBER 7
Music Without Walls—Beats & Brews at Binky Lee Preserve. Jam out, drink up and give back some love to Binky Lee. Don’t miss Natural Lands’ annual bash, which includes live music, craft brews, food options and sunset socializing. 1445 Pikeland Rd., Chester Springs. Gates open at 5. $35–$45. NatLands.org.
OCTOBER 5–14
American Music Theatre. Oct. 5, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour; Oct. 6, The Texas Tenors; Oct. 8, The Malpass Brothers; Oct. 12, Celtic Thunder: Odyssey; Oct. 14, Fall Doo Wop Cavalcade. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. E., Lancaster. Times and tickets, AMTShows.com.
OCTOBER 5–21
Kennett Flash. Oct. 5, Nathan Graham w/ special guest Sug Daniels; Oct. 6 & 7, Beatlemania Again! The Early Years; Oct. 14, Gretchen Emery Band; Oct. 20, The Rocky Horror Picture Show; Oct. 21, Three Ton with
At The Grand in Wilmington. Oct. 5, Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt; Oct. 5, Preacher Lawson at The Baby Grand; Oct. 6, Pinky Patel; Oct. 7, Bob Mould Solo Electric; Oct. 8, Al Stewart and The Empty Pockets; Oct. 8, Kenny Wayne Shepherd in Copeland Hall; Oct. 28, Alan Cumming; Nov. 1, Pink Martini Featuring China Forbes. 818 N. Market St., Wilmington. Times and tickets, TheGrandWilmington.org
OCTOBER 6–NOVEMBER 4
Uptown! at Knauer Performing Arts Center. Oct. 6, Morgan Miles; Oct. 7, Beatles, Zepplin, Doors by Magical Mystery Doors; Oct. 13, Take 3; Oct. 14, High Noon; Oct. 20, KunYang Lin/Dancers; Oct. 21, Joe Matarese; Oct. 26, Kendrah and Lauren’s Quintet; Oct. 27, Motor City Review; Oct. 28, Jeffrey Gaines;
OCTOBER 12–NOVEMBER 3
Longwood Gardens Performance Series. Oct. 12, British a cappella vocal ensemble VOCES8; Oct. 15, Kennett Symphony explores themes of love and nature; Oct. 18, Gaelic solo artist Julie Fowlis; Oct. 21, Open Organ Console Day; Oct. 22, organist and choirmaster
Thomas Gaynor; Nov. 3, organist Peter Richard
Conte and trumpeter Rodney Marsalis. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. LongwoodGardens.org.
OCTOBER 7
Chester County’s Color 5K Race. The race aims to raise awareness and funds to help combat the ongoing opioid and heroin crisis in Chester County. Exton Park, 800 Swedesford Rd., Exton. Registration begins at 8 am, race starts at 9. $30. ChesCo.org/3701/Color-5k-Run-Walk.
OCTOBER 8
CCDSIG Buddy Walk and Family Run & Fun Day. The Chester County Down Syndrome Interest Group holds a 5K, Buddy Walk and Fun Run and Dash for kids. West Goshen Park, Five Points & Fern Hill Rds., West Chester. 10 to 2. CCDSIG.org/Buddy-Walk
NOVEMBER 5
46th Annual Radnor Run. Register to be an in-person or virtual participant in the 5-Mile Race, 2-Mile Trail Walk, or ½-Mile Kids Fun Run. Benefits the American Lung Association. Radnor Township Building, Encke Park, 301 Iven Ave., Radnor. Reg, 7 am, race, 8:30. $30–$40. 800-LUNG-USA; Lung.org/RadnorRun
39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern. Times and tickets, 610-644-3500; PeoplesLight.org
St., Media. Times and tickets, 610-891-0100; MediaTheatre.org
THEATER...................................................................
THROUGH OCTOBER 8
Something Rotten at Fulton Theatre. Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom set out to write the world’s very first musical. 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Times and tickets, 717-397-7425; TheFulton.org
THROUGH OCTOBER 8
Noises Off at Delaware Theatre Company. This Tony Award-winning play is an ingenious backstage farce full of shocking surprises and humor. 200 Water St., Wilmington. Times and tickets, 302-594-1100; DelawareTheatre.org.
THROUGH OCTOBER 15
Bonez at People’s Light. A game of dominoes takes a chilling turn here. Acclaimed writer/director Steve H. Broadnax III brings the social horror genre to the stage in this chilling investigation of masculinity, intimacy and childhood demons.
THROUGH OCTOBER 15
The Philly Fan at Hedgerow Theatre. Philadelphia’s Bruce Graham offers an unapologetic perspective of a hardcore sports fan through a lifetime of experience with the highs, lows and baggage that comes with Philly fandom. 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media. Times and tickets, 610-565-4211; HedgerowTheatre.org
OCTOBER 13–15
Pretty Woman: The Musical at The Playhouse. Featuring an original score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and from the book by the legendary director Garry Marshall. 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington. Fri–Sat, 8 pm; Sat–Sun, 2 pm; Sun, 2:30. $50–$109. TheGrandWilmington.org.
TOWNS, TALKS & TOURS
THROUGH OCTOBER 28
Bird-in-Hand Stage. Through Oct. 19, The Home Game, baseball, farming and family. Through Oct. 28, Ryan & Friends: Never Speechless, a variety show with comedy routine and song parodies. 2760 #A Old Philadelphia Pk., Bird-inHand. Times and tickets, 717-768-1568; Bird-InHand.com/Stage
THROUGH OCTOBER 29
Into The Woods at The Candlelight Theatre. Tony Award-winner with music by Stephen Sondheim and book/lyrics by James Lapine. 2208 Millers Rd., Wilmington. Times and tickets, 302475-2313; CandlelightTheatreDelaware.org
THROUGH NOVEMBER 11
Escape to Margaritaville at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. Featuring Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Margaritaville” and more. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Times and tickets, 717-8981900; DutchApple.com.
OCTOBER 3–29
The Prom at Media Theatre. This exuberant musical extravaganza will have you tapping your toes and laughing out loud as it takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. 104 E. State
THROUGH OCTOBER 9
Phoenixville Inside Out. Dine outside or enjoy a drink with friends, explore the boutiques and retail stores or take in a show. Businesses set up in the closed sidewalk and roadway between Starr and Main Sts., and from Main to Gay Sts. beginning at 2 pm on Fri, ending 7 am Mon. The Main and Bridge Street parking lot is closed during the road closure. PhoenixvilleFirst.org
THROUGH OCTOBER 19
Third Thursdays on State Street in Kennett Square. Enjoy outdoor dining, extended shopping hours, live music, children’s activities, pop-up vendors and more. The 100 blocks of E. and W. State St., in addition the 100 blocks of N. and S. Union St., will be closed to traffic from 5 to 10 pm. KennettCollaborative.org.
THROUGH OCTOBER 29
Open-Air Market in West Chester. West Chester has plenty of outdoor dining and shopping options. Gay Street (between Matlack St. and New St.) is closed to vehicles Friday morning through Monday morning. Restaurants and retail alike line the street, so residents and visitors have more space to shop, eat and explore the town. DowntownWestChester.com
OCTOBER 19
West Chester Historic Preservation Awards. The West Chester Downtown Foundation created this awards program to recognize and honor projects both large and small that help highlight and preserve West Chester’s historic character. Winners announced at the Chester County History Center, 225 N. High St., West Chester. 5:30 pm. $25. WCDF.org/ Preservation
Second Saturday Virtual Arts Stroll: Oct. 14, Media, MediaArtsCouncil.org
Third Thursday Malvern Stroll: Oct. 19, MalvernBusiness.com.
OCTOBER 7
82nd Annual Chester County Day Tour. This year’s self-driving tour celebrates the Northeast quadrant of the county, including a walking tour in the Borough of Phoenixville. The Hunt takes place at Kimberton Hunt Club, 1685 Art School Rd., Chester Springs, arrive by 8:30 am. Tour, $55. Pre-purchased boxed lunches: $18. Benefits The Women’s Auxiliary to Chester Co. Hospital’s pledge towards the advancement of breast health. ChesterCountyDay.com.
on a paranormal investigation of the Paoli Battlefield. Discover many different “hot spots” of activity located along the trail and in other areas around the battlefield. Monument & Wayne Aves., Malvern. 7 to 11 pm. $45. Register on PBPFInc.org ©
OCTOBER 6, 14, 19
1st Fridays, 2nd Saturdays, 3rd Thursdays. First Fridays: Oct. 6, Lancaster City, 717-509ARTS; VisitLancasterCity.com Phoenixville, 610-933-3253; PhoenixvilleFirst.org West Chester, 610-738-3350; DowntownWestChester.com Wilmington Art Loop, 302-576-2135; CityFestWilm.com.
OCTOBER 21
Paoli Battlefield Paranormal Tour. Join the tour as Interstate Paranormal Research leads you
Stay in the know with everything going on in County Lines country. Sign up for our Events Newsletter (sent twice monthly) at Newsletter@ValleyDel.com.
Send a description of your activity to Info@ValleyDel.com by the first of the month preceding publication.
For more events visit: CountyLinesMagazine.com
HEAR THE LIVE ORCHESTRA TUNING UP AS you sink into your seat at The Media Theatre. Theatergoers chat excitedly as they flip through their programs. Then the lights dim, the room hushes and you’re whisked away into the special world of live theater.
After 30 years of bringing professional theater to the community, The Media Theatre is still going strong as they launch their latest Broadway Series with The Prom. This glitzy musical tells a captivating story of four Broadway stars on a mission to restore their tarnished reputations by championing a cause close to their hearts.
When these show biz veterans hear about a high school student who’s been banned from attending her prom because of her same-sex relationship, they’re resolved to make a difference. With unstoppable determination, infectious humor and a whole lot of sequins, they descend upon the small town, ready to fight for love and acceptance.
This exuberant musical will have you tapping your toes and laughing out loud as it takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From show-stopping dance numbers to heartwarming ballads, the sensational score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin will have you humming long after the curtain falls.
Directed by Media Theatre Artistic Director Christian Ryan, The Prom showcases a talented cast that will transport
you to a world where dreams come true and love conquers all. “It gives us permission to laugh at the absurd, while also communicating that we are all human, and we want the same things,” says Ryan.
Experience the joy, the laughter and the sheer exhilaration as you join in on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The Prom is an electrifying experience that will leave you with a smile on your face and a renewed belief in the transformative power of love.
Grab your tickets now and be part of this celebration of inclusion and standing up for what’s right. Including supporting local theater. ©
Where: Media Theatre, 104 E. State St., Media
When: October 3–29
Tickets: $30–$63, online
More Info: 610-891-0100; MediaTheatre.org
Next Up in the Broadway Series: Mary Poppins, Dec. 5–Jan. 14, 2024
IT’S A SHORT TRIP TO VISIT HAWK MOUNTAIN.
CALLED THE KITTATINNY — IT MEANS “ENDLESS mountain” in the language of the Lenni Lenape — the ridge runs northeast to southwest, extending 300 miles, starting 60 miles north of New York City to 20 miles west of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Every fall, from August through December, thousands of raptors — about 18,000 in all in an average year — cruise south along the ridge, often at eye level, riding thermals, seeking warmer climes for the winter.
You can visit the Kittatinny, too. The ridge is about an hour and a half drive north from West Chester. Now called Hawk Mountain, the area has been preserved as the world’s first refuge for hawks.
Nearly 90 years ago, a New York conservationist named Rosalie Edge bought 1,400 acres — now increased to 2,600 acres — along the ridge, after having seen photos of the slaughter done there. Hunters had been shooting the birds for sport. The killing was stopped immediately. A few years later, Edge deeded the property to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
Today, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the site of the longest-running raptor migration count in the world, reaching over 3,000 birds in a single day. Since 1934, the Sanctuary and its bird-counters
Trainees and counters at North Lookout
Red-tailed hawk
have kept records for 24 species, including hawks, eagles, falcons, osprey, kestrels and kites. Visit their website for a complete list, HawkMountain.org
The Sanctuary, led by its president Sean Grace, has a small staff of 20 full-time and 15 part-time employees, as well as interns and trainees. It’s also visited by scientists, who stay for a week to several months or longer and have produced over 400 publications — “an incredible output for a small conservation organization,” says Grace.
Last fall, over 20,000 birds were counted, including about 12,500 broad-wing, 3,600 sharp-shinned and 1,300 red-tailed hawks. In all, for the fall migration of 2022, 19 species of raptors were spotted by the Sanctuary’s staff, trainees and volunteers.
Head to the mountain this October for a unique bird watching opportunity. David Brown, a professional hawk watcher, says, “The best days to visit Hawk Mountain in the fall are days with northwest winds after a cold front. The wind hits the Kittatinny Ridge and is deflected upward, allowing raptors to glide along the top of the ridgeline with minimal effort.” He suggests midto-late morning as prime time for seeing the hawks.
Check the weather before you go. Rain, fog or snow are never good for hawk-watching. Not so good for a walk in the woods either. There’s about a mile of hiking to get to the North Lookout, longer for more remote views. On the other hand,
the South Lookout is only about 175 yards past the entrance. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, bug repellent, food and water. “A cushion can make sitting on the rocks more comfortable,” advises Brown. Dress warmly and dress for a hike. If you’ve got one, bring a camera with a very long lens.
The first thing you should know about hawks is that there are several types. We’ll only describe a few here, focusing on the most common types found at Hawk Mountain. These include the broad-winged, redtailed and sharp-shinned hawks. And this article will also largely ignore several other raptors — eagles, falcons, vultures and others — known to fly past Hawk Mountain.
The adult broad-winged hawk is a relatively small bird, about 14" to 17" in length,
with a wingspan of 32" to 39". Its head is reddish-brown, as are its wings from above. From below, this hawk is white or pale gray, with a brown strip bordering the trailing edge of its wings. Its tail is banded brown and white.
It’s estimated that there are over a million broad-winged hawks, living primarily in forests, often near water, feeding on mice, birds, lizards, snakes, large insects and small fish. These hawks summer in Canada and the Appalachians and winter in Central and South America.
Until they migrate.
Last year the broad-winged hawks passed Hawk Mountain in early September to mid-October. Their “kettles” — that’s what their massive gatherings are called — are huge. In 2022, over 12,000 were counted during a five-day period in September. But only 17 were counted that year during the rest of the season.
In 2022, the sharp-shinned hawks started migrating about the same time as the broad-winged (late summer), but these hawks continue to migrate past Hawk Mountain through the end of October and occasionally into November. This is a widespread species. The population decreased during the DDT years (mid-1940s to 1972) but has since rebounded somewhat. Summering as far north as Alaska, these hawks are estimated
Broad-winged hawk Sharp-shinned hawktoday to constitute over a million birds in the Americas.
The sharp-shinned is tiny for a hawk, just 10" to 14" in length, with a wingspan of 17" to 23", though the females, like hawks in general, are about a third larger than the males. Gray and brown from above, this hawk is reddish-brown, speckled with white, from below. A sharp-shinned, as its name suggests, has very thin legs. In flight, they are very agile, preying on small birds.
Come October, large kettles of the “sharpies” migrate past Hawk Mountain, though their kettles are smaller and more dispersed over the season than the broadwinged. If you’re patient, you can spot one in most years throughout November and until December. You’ll see primarily adult sharpies, as the juveniles tend to migrate earlier and hug the coastline.
The red-tailed hawk is the largest of all the hawks, growing to over two feet in length, with a wingspan of about 4.5 feet. Diving, it can reach 120 miles per hour. To see one at close range is alarming!
From above, the red-tailed’s feathers are dark brown or dark gray. Its underbody is lighter, outlined by brown and gray. Except for its distinctive tail feathers, which are — you guessed it — red.
Common and familiar to even casual bird watchers, the red-tailed is found throughout North America. Known for their effortless soaring, they’re often seen circling high in the air or sitting atop utility poles. They eat small mammals (mice, rabbits, moles) and snakes, toads and insects.
The red-tailed’s migration is less concentrated in time — they don’t fly south unless pushed by the snow. And their movement tends to occur later in the season than the broad-winged or sharp-shinned, though a lone bird may be spotted throughout the fall season. The best time to see a red-tailed is late October through early December. In 2021, for instance, more than a hundred were spotted during the last week of November.
Many other species of raptors will pass Hawk Mountain. The broad-winged and
red-tailed populations are doing well of late. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons, once endangered, are also growing in numbers. Ospreys, also once endangered, are now off the endangered species list, although they may be slipping back on it again. The sharp-shinned and American kestrel are both declining slowly in numbers.
The northern goshawk, however, is in peril. Only one confirmed goshawk nest was located in 2022, down from about a hundred a quarter-century ago. It’s not a good trend.
Meanwhile, however, treat yourself to the spectacle in the skies. Get out your hiking boots and binoculars, and make the trek to Hawk Mountain. Find a spot on the rocks. Mountain scenery, autumn colors, cool air. You’ll be glad you did. ©
Where: 700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton, PA
Prime Viewing Spots: Parking for the South Lookout is 175 yards from the entrance, or take a one-mile hike to the North Lookout for a better view.
When: Open year round
Admission: $10, $7 for seniors, $5 for kids
Information: At the Visitors Center. 610-756-6961; HawkMountain.org
PHOTOS COURTESY: DAVID BROWN, BILL MOSES, HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY Coopers hawk Red-tailed hawk eating rodent
Shannon Montgomery
AUTUMN HAS ARRIVED, AND THERE’S NO better time for a road trip across the Brandywine Valley. Take in the fall colors, scenic landscapes and charming towns in our special corner of the country.
Celebrate the season with a drive through County Lines country, full of shopping, dining, exciting events and fun for the whole family. Let us be your guide.
We start in Chester County’s distinctive county seat of West Chester. Wend your way down walkable brick sidewalks and treelined streets to find unique shops and over 60 tempting restaurants in this award-winning downtown.
West Chester’s dining scene is abuzz with new developments. Have a traditional English tea party at newly opened Mimi’s Tea Cottage on High Street. And just outside town, Ground Provisions: Market & Dining, the new vegan market and restaurant
from the couple behind Philly’s Vedge, continues to garner praise, including raves by Inquirer food critic Crain LaBan.
Keep an eye out for two new restaurants coming soon. Top Chef’s Fabio Viviani is opening 9Prime, a steak and seafood restaurant in the former First National Bank building, planned with a glasstopped terrace. And the folks behind Imprint Beer Company are launching Serum Kitchen & Taphouse on Market Street, complete with a rooftop bar.
Pair your dinner with a show at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center. From music and theater to comedy, dance and film, there’s always something to see. Magical Mystery Doors play a tribute to The Beatles, Doors and Led Zeppelin on October 7, and the Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers perform contemporary Asian-American dance on October 20.
The popular Open-Air Market continues to close Gay Street to traffic on weekends (Friday to Monday morning) through October for outdoor dining, shopping and more. And on First Friday,
October 6, explore West Chester’s vibrant art scene at the Fall Gallery Walk. The self-guided tour features over 20 stops, including local art galleries like David Katz Gallery and Gingko Arts, as well as special one-night-only venues including Taylor’s Music Store and Pine + Quill. For more, take a detour to the new Corner Art Collective on South Matlack Street.
Come back on Sunday, October 8 for the 21st annual West Chester Chili CookOff. Over 50 chili-cooking teams compete for the coveted People’s Choice Award and a $2,500 cash prize. Hosted by the Rotary
Club of West Chester, the event benefits local nonprofits.
Fall is a busy time at West Chester University. For the first time, Family Weekend combines with homecoming for a weekend jam-packed with activities — including a football game against Bloomsburg — September 29 to October
1. The Department of Theater & Dance presents Kiss Me, Kate, a musical retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, October 19 to 22. And October performances from the
24th and a Wind Ensemble concert on the 29th.
Finally, for you long-term planners, mark your calendar for the West Chester Christmas Parade on Friday, December 1, with 6abc’s Adam Joseph returning to host alongside WMMR’s Kathy Romano.
Head west on Route 30 to three vibrant towns that combine for a great daytrip — though each shines on its own.
Wells School of Music include the Fall Choral Festival on the
First stop: Exton, home to shopping and dining galore. Find all your favorite brands at Main Street at Exton and stop by for a bite at Appetites on Main. For something a little different, drop by Wellington Square Bookshop in Eagleview Town Center. This local, independent bookstore houses a cozy reading room, café and, of course, plenty of books. Later, check out one of Exton’s many restaurants — including staples like Ron’s Original Bar & Grille as well as newcomer VK Brewing Co. & Eatery, a veteran-owned brewpub at the historic Ship Inn property.
Or, start your day at the Downingtown Farmers Market, Saturdays from
9 to 1 at Kerr Park. Hosted by Growing Roots Partners, this market features locally grown fruits and veggies, fresh meats and cheeses, baked goods and more, along with live music. While in Downingtown, check out De La Terre BYOB, an upscale, modern French restaurant that’s been attracting serious foodies.
Finally, find out what’s new in Coatesville. Chester County’s only city is becoming a dining hotspot with new restaurants opening and more to come. Late last year, the former Coatesville Record offices became The Record Kitchen + Bar, with newspaper front pages adorning the walls and appropriately named cocktails. This spring,
it was joined by The Iron Eagle on Lincoln, serving up modern takes on classic comfort foods in the former Coatesville Cultural Society building.
Moving south, you’ll find stunning views, fine food and drink, and fun for the whole family.
Fall is a great time to visit Longwood Gardens. From September 30 to November 12, the Chrysanthemum Festival fills the Conservatory with vibrant blooms. And the kiddos will love the Pumpkin Playground, with whimsical displays of pump-
kins, gourds and corn-husk towers in the Children’s Corner from October 6 to 30.
While in Kennett Square, stop by State Street to visit new additions to the dining scene, including Sweet Amelia’s, an upscale New American restaurant with a seasonal menu, and Patisserie Lola, a French bakery with artisan pastries made fresh daily. Visit on Third Thursday on State Street (last one on October 19) for outdoor dining, extended shopping hours, live music and family-friendly activities.
In the mood for wine? Just a short drive from downtown Kennett, Va La Vineyards in Avondale hosts weekend tastings (Friday to Sunday) in their century-old
barn and outside overlooking the vines. Stop by on a Sunday afternoon, October 8 and 22, for a live concert by pianist Glenn E. Williams. For more, try Penns Woods Winery in Chadds Ford. Their family- and dog-friendly outdoor lawn is open through October, offering vineyard views, wine by the glass and bottle, local beer and charcuterie.
While in Chadds Ford, we recommend a stop at the Brandywine River Museum for fine art overlooking the Brandywine Creek. Two new exhibits open this month — “Allan Freelon: Painter, Printmaker Teacher” on October 6 and “Rooted: Family and Nature in Contemporary Children’s
Book Illustration” on October 14. Or share the artistic spirit at a Plein Air Day at Kuerner Farm, October 13 and 15.
Later in the month, spooky vibes abound at The Great Pumpkin Carve, hosted by the Chadds Ford Historical Society, October 19 to 21. This longtime favorite event features over 70 giant pumpkins carved by local artists, a kid-friendly haunted trail, raffle prizes and live music, as well as food, wine and local craft beer for sale.
Take a drive down Lancaster Avenue in Philly’s western suburbs to sample the Main Line. Cruise down residential side roads
and admire gorgeous architecture and welltended gardens, and be sure to check out the charming towns along the way.
On Sunday mornings (10 to 1) through October, stop by the new Berwyn Farmers Market at Bronze Plaza. Shop from over two dozen rotating vendors, ranging from farm-fresh produce and dairy products to jewelry and artisan pieces.
In Malvern, catch a show at People’s Light. Their season opener, Bonez, is a social horror, perfect for the Halloween season, running through October 15. Up next is A Christmas Carol, on stage starting November 15.
Keep the spooky vibes going at this year’s Paoli Battlefield Paranormal Tour, Octo-
ber 21. Supernatural experts from Interstate Paranormal Research lead a nighttime tour and paranormal investigation of the battlefield. Or, for a much less scary experience, visit during the day for a self-guided tour of the Revolutionary War battlefield and picnic on the grounds.
Speaking of Paoli, the Paoli Blues Fest is back on September 30 at a new venue, Wilson Farm Park in Wayne. This free festival features local blues bands, a variety of vendors and KidsZone.
While in Wayne, pop into Main Point Books, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year with a major expansion. In addition to book clubs and visits from local authors, they’re hosting their second annual
Boozy Banned Books Fair on October 7 at Theresa’s Café.
After spending a fun-filled day on the Main Line, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, Iron Chef Jose Garces’ new-ish Amada location in Radnor is open for Spanish tapas — and weekend brunch.
Over in Delco, you’ll find our neighbor to the east is home to fine art, shopping and plenty of fall events.
First, mark your calendar for Delco Arts Week, September 30 to October 8. The Delaware County Arts Association hosts over 60 events across the county, including
concerts, festivals, films, gallery exhibitions, kids’ activities and workshops.
Next, stop by Newtown Square. On September 30, Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation hosts its first annual Fall Fest, featuring colonial brewing demonstrations, cider pressing, pottery, music, food from Philly Hots and more. While in town, pick up some special Halloween candy from Christopher Chocolates and get started on your fall planting and front-door decorating with mums and more from Mostardi Nursery.
Then make your way to Glen Mills, where Newlin Grist Mill is hosting its Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 7. The festival highlights historic skills and trade demos, along with fun activities for kids of all ages. This year’s theme is “Food Traditions Past and Present,” featuring both 18th-century cooking and modern food truck fare. Plus, the 160-acre park is open seven days a week for hiking on more than eight miles of trails, fishing, birdwatching or simply enjoying the fall scenery.
Of course, no trip to Delco would be complete without a visit to the county seat, Media. “Everybody’s Hometown” found itself in the national spotlight this summer at the Little League World Series, when Media’s Little League team made an impressive run and found support from the Phillies in the stands. The team’s currently
raising funds to add lights to their complex — contribute at MediaLittleLeague.net
Delco also offers quality local theater, including the Media Theatre’s two shows this month: James and the Giant Peach Jr. (weekends through October 8) and The Prom (October 3–29). Just outside town, the Hedgerow Theatre Company is celebrating its 100th birthday. See The Philly Fan, a tribute to Philly sports, September 27 to October 15.
Feeling brave? The Media Arts Council’s annual Fright Fest, September 30 at the Media Community Center, is a horror film festival with over 20 vendors, the Rivalry on State food truck, music, raffles and more. For something a bit more wholesome, the Media Business Authority hosts the State Street Fall Festival on October 8, boasting food, music, artists, crafters, nonprofits and family fun.
Finally, take a drive on beautiful Route 52 — known as the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway — across the state line to Wilmington, where inspiring art, renowned museums and much more await you.
First, climb aboard the Wilmington Western Railroad for a seasonal ride through the Red Clay Valley on the Autumn
Leaf Special. Kids will love riding a converted railroad flatcar on the Hayride Express (Fridays in October) or alongside a friendly witch on the Halloween Express, October 29.
Next, see what’s on at The Grand Wilmington. America’s Got Talent’s Preacher Lawson will be cracking jokes at the Baby Grand on October 5, and the First State Ballet presents Coppélia at Copeland Hall on October 21 and 22. Plus, see Pretty Woman: The Musical at The Playhouse on Rodney Square, October 13 to 15.
There’s also plenty to see at Wilmington’s museums. Visit the Delaware Art Museum’s newest exhibit, “Drawn,” featuring contemporary drawings from Sally and Wynn Kramarsky. Just outside the city at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, Halloween costumes are encouraged at the “Monsters, Myths & Multiverses: The Science of Imagination” event on October 28. And a tour wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, hosting the exhibition “Ann Lowe: American Couturier,” featuring 40 iconic gowns from the acclaimed fashion designer.
As you make your way through these vibrant towns, be sure to slow down and take in the stunning fall colors and scenic vistas that make our area so special. Happy trails! ©
17 18NOW THAT SUMMER HAS FADED AND DAYS continue to grow shorter and temperatures cooler, it won’t be long until we experience the glorious colors of fall. Whether our area has an awesome autumn color display depends to a great extent on the weather — warm sunny days and cool, not-freezing nights — along with the right soil moisture making the difference between an intense, brilliant display or one that’s merely ho-hum.
While many people travel to other regions to leaf-peep (we’re talking about you, New England), our local forests offer vibrant shades of orange and red from maples, yellow to gold to brown from tulip poplars, hickories, oaks and beeches.
You can create your own displays of fall color in your garden by choosing native trees and shrubs — whether it’s a specimen tree,
needing significant space to grow, or small to medium-sized trees and shrubs that can add autumn color interest to your garden. Here are some recommendations, many of which you can see at Welkinweir.
The quintessential tree of autumn with its blazing gold and orange leaves is the sugar maple (Acer saccharum). These trees are found at higher elevations, where temperatures are cooler. But there are a few selections of sugar maple that do well in our heat and humidity, including Green Mountain and Autumn Splendor. Local forests boast resident red maples (Acer rubrum), brilliant in shades of red and orange. The varieties Red Sunset and October Glory offer exceptional fall color.
Story and photos by Victoria Laubach PHOTO CREDIT: EDWARD BACONTupelo (Nyssa sylvatica, of tupelo honey, a specialty honey of the South, as well as a Van Morrison song) produces fruits that are an important food source for migrating birds and offers spectacular fall coloring of bright scarlet. The Wildfire variety adds ruby red new growth during the growing season. Bearing distinctive star-shaped leaves, sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is vivid in fall, ranging from red, orange and yellow to dark purple, all at the same time. The fruitless (no spiky gumballs!) Rotundiloba with rounder leaves has burgundy fall color.
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), which releases a spicy scent when any of the three different shaped leaves, twigs and roots are crushed, has a rainbow of fall colors, including yellow, orange, red and crimson. Blooming in fall, the American witch-hazel’s (Hamamelis virginiana) spidery yellow flowers often blooms alongside its yellow fall foliage. (Note: The astringent witch hazel is made from extracts of this native.)
Two trees most associated with their spring floral displays — flowering dogwood and serviceberry — extend the season of interest with excellent fall foliage. Flowering dogwood’s (Cornus florida) foliage colors from red to burgundy along with bright red fruits (gobbled nearly immediately by birds). The serviceberry or juneberry (Amelanchier spp.), named for the delicious summer fruit, offers dramatic fire-engine red fall color, especially the variety Autumn Brilliance. Less well-known is sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum), a small, slender, summer bloomer with intense orange to red fall color.
There are many native shrubs that offer excellent fall color — rivaling the often-planted but highly invasive nonnative, burning bush (Euonymus alatus). Note: After January 2025, sales of burning bush will be banned in PA. Residents are encouraged to remove existing burning bush now. At Welkinweir, we’ve removed all the intentionally planted burning bush and continue to work to remove the seeded-in plants.*
*For more on dealing with burning bush, see Aug. 2023 County Lines, “Plant This, Not That” by Kirsten Werner, Natural Lands, at CountyLinesMagazine.com.
1. Sweet gum foliage
2. Flowering dogwood
3. Fothergilla and oak leaf hydrangea
Instead choose our native euonymus, eastern wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus), with blazing fall color of its own. Blueberry is another excellent alternative with intense red to maroon fall color, plus delicious summer fruit, for you (or the birds). The color is shared by both the lowbush (Vaccinium angustifolium) and highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum), so there’s a blueberry sized for any garden.
A number of native viburnums offer multi-season interest, but there are two that are especially garden-worthy. The smooth viburnum (Viburnum nudum), Brandywine and Winterthur, have showy, glossy-green leaves changing to an incredible dark burgundy in autumn. White flowers are followed by attractive fruits clusters in shades of green, pink and blue as they ripen. Another viburnum, the American cranberry bush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum), is named for the edible cranberry-like bright red fruit clusters contrasting with scarlet to burgundy leaf color.
Chokeberries are multi-stem shrubs with red fall foliage and edible fruit used in jams, jellies, syrups and juice, as well as serving as food for birds and other wildlife. They are distinguished by their fruit color, red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) and black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa).
The Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginia) Henry’s Garnet is a dependable, showy plant, with early summer white blooms attractive to pollinators and long-lasting foliage of varying shades of maroon, orange and gold.
Although technically southeast U.S. natives, fothergilla and oakleaf hydrangeas grow well in our area and are widely available at nurseries. Fothergillas are showy in the spring with honey-scented blooms, but are even showier in fall, with their breathtaking blend of orange, red, burgundy and yellow fall foliage — especially magnificent when planted in groups. White to pink conical summer blooms of oakleaf hydrangea are easily recognized by the large oak-shaped leaves and turn a consistent burgundy-red color.
As a side note, these native shrubs offer a showy display of berries in the fall and are worth seeking out. Beautyberry (Callicarpa Americana) produce clusters of iridescent purple berries that hug the branches and are Asian cousins of our native beautyberry. Suckering shrubs (Symphoricarpos), forming extensive colonies, can produce pinkish (S. orbiculatus) berries, coral berries or white (S. albus) berries, the snowberry.
So, although summer has drawn to a close (goodbye heat and humidity), your garden can still be as inspiring and colorful with the right selection of native trees and shrubs. ©
Welkinweir is a 224-acre arboretum and nature preserve, where history, horticulture and habitat meet. Located in East Nantmeal Township, 1368 Prizer Rd., Pottstown, Welkinweir is free and open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 610-469-7543; Welkinweir.com.
5. Green Mountain sugar maple
6. Sourwood
Emily
HartIF YOU HAVEN’T STEPPED INTO PHOENIXVILLE FOR a while, you’re in a for an exciting surprise.
Check the calendar on the wall. Think back to an early Saturday in 2013, when establishments in the sleepy town of Phoenixville were opening their doors for the day. Heidi Sue Variety, a fun and quirky five-and-dime store with old wooden floors, stocked moon pies by the vintage cash register. Coffee brewed at Steel City. Irish pub and restaurant Molly Maguire’s was a few years young, and The Colonial Theatre was many years old. A few foodies made evening reservations for Majolica’s and Daddy Mim’s Creole. The Phoenix was just a fledgling, but some artists and business entrepreneurs had a vision.
Swipe your phone’s calendar. Now it’s early on a Saturday in 2023, and the bustling town of Phoenixville is already on the move. Cyclists pedal tree-lined roads past a vibrant library and park to arrive at the town’s center. Dogwalkers and early shoppers with bags and backpacks filled with fresh food and flowers return from the farmers market and head up Main Street. Neighbors and visitors on both sides of French Creek watch signs of new construction not far from Borough Hall.
Kids on scooters wind their way along Bridge Street, where many businesses are already open or preparing for the day’s later rush. The owners of Steel City are brewing up coffee, beer, food and fun there and at their Mont Clare Deli and Market — where an outdoor stage with exciting live entertainment debuts this fall.
Molly Maguire’s has expanded and added The Fenix next door, where cold drinks and cool, live jazz — a recent collaboration of The Fenix and Forever Changes — draw crowds.
Boasting glorious renovations, The Colonial Theatre enjoys yet another heyday in its history since 1903. It was the talk of the town again this summer as a photo of its marquee displaying Barbie and Oppenheimer — and a signature blue lamppost — made it into Forbes Daily.
Foodies and fun-lovers have seemingly limitless choices for fabulous fare and their favorite vibe: Avlos, Black Lab Bistro, Bistro on Bridge, Iron Hill, Sedona Taphouse, Paloma’s and others. There are even more gastronomic options at dozens of First Fridays, fairs and festivals.
“Phoenixville is now a destination,” says Laura Vernola, co-owner of Steel City and Mont Clare Deli and Market. “Blobfest, PrideFest, A Whole Lot of LuLu, Firebird Festival and our
1. Steel City Coffeehouse & Brewery
2. Mont Clare Deli and Market
endless parades show just how much our town has embraced change and welcomed newcomers.”
It’s not the first time the town has seen impressive growth. In the 19th century, the railroad, iron, cannon barrels, nails, Majolica pottery and various other mills fired up Phoenixville’s expansion. In the early-to-mid 20th century, steel during the world wars, retail and entertainment — four movie theaters including the now iconic Colonial — sent the Phoenix flying.
A year ago Phoenixville welcomed a new bird to town — a raven. Ravensgate, that is. The golden logo on the storefront window pulls you in. The shop of leather crafts, tattoos and art and artisans’ offerings was started by a husband and wife duo with a love story that began in Mexico and has thus far ended up at Bridge Street.
For marvelous flavors of gelato or espresso affogato — a scoop of delicious gelato drowned in espresso — find Gemelli’s. In May 2022, they opened the doors of their turquoise shop recognized by fans of their West Chester gelateria. Gemelli’s closes temporarily during the deep winter months, so get your goodies now.
Enter new neon-bright Rush Bowls, where young professionals, families with pups or kids and runners just off the trail choose ingredients and wait for custom frozen smoothies. What a selection: fruit (peaches, berries, bananas), leaves including mint and kale, toppings of seeds and nut butters, and additions including soy protein and whey.
If you’re a pinball wizard looking to travel back in time for entertainment, post a lookout for the new Fun Dungeon Brewery Arcade, a medieval-themed establishment with more than 40 old-time arcade games, pool and pinball including the Time Warp machine circa 1979. Opening this October at the former Moose Lodge — in the basement, because a dungeon can’t be in the penthouse, right? — owners Clint Weiler and Terry Hughes welcome gamers and revelers. Bring a sense of fun and a thirst for beer. Suit of armor not required.
4. Live jazz at The Fenix 5. RavensgateShawn Cephas, proprietor of the vinyl shop Forever Changes, attributes Phoenixville’s authentic, fresh energy to its artists. One of those is Lee Pohlsander.
Pohlsander creates an eclectic body of work ranging from graphic design, illustrations and pieces on exhibit in Ravensgate’s window to murals of carousel horses at a historic amusement park. She says she’s played a small part in the larger art scene’s contribution to Phoenixville’s recent rising. Over time, the community has come together to support art and artists. In turn, artists’ work has connected the community and inspired positivity, making people want to invest in the town.
One past example: the pretty utility boxes painted by artists on the beautification committee. Coming up, join the October 1st Art Walk featuring 11 stops with collaborations including Jim Weir painting a flower arrangement at Cameron Peters Floral Design while onlookers watch. “Art is an anchor,” says Pohlsander.
Both sides of the Schuylkill River are experiencing growth.
October marks the first anniversary of the ribbon cutting for Mont Clare Deli’s outdoor beer garden, celebrated by first responders and neighbors from both sides of the bridge. Adults can enjoy beer at red picnic tables while taking in live music on the garden’s new stage. Saturday mornings indoors, kids of any age can hopscotch across the black and white tile floor to twirl at the deli’s original stools and white tile counter while watching TV cartoons.
Friendly bar and restaurant Lock 29 is open again after Hurricane Ida’s flooding. It’s enjoying the influx of new residents and tourists who want to relax with a drink while watching the canal and bicyclists ready to refuel with good food before heading back to the Schuylkill River Trail. ©
For more and updates, visit PhoenixvilleFirst.org and Phoenixville.org.
7. Ribbon-cutting at Rush Bowls with Mayor Peter Urscheler
8. Fun Dungeon Brewery Arcade
9. Artist Lee Pohlsander
37th Annual Phoenixville Run
October 1–28
Oct. 1–28, Virtual Challenge—participate how you want, when you want, where you want. Oct. 28, in-person 5K and 10K events. Benefits Citizen Advocacy of Chester County. Reeves Park, 2nd Ave. & Main St. 8:30 am. $40. Phoenixville.org.
First Fridays in Phoenixville
October 6, November 3
First Fridays will operate within the weekly Bridge Street open-air closure to create the feel of a night market there. 5:30 to 8:30. Phoenixville.org
The Colonial Theatre
October 4 – December 17
Oct. 4, Rising Sun Presents Henry Rollins: Good To See You Tour; Oct. 14, Miguel Espinoza Fusion; Oct. 20, Rising Sun Presents The Sixties Show; Nov. 7, Rising Sun Presents Nick Lowe’s Quality Rock & Roll Revue featuring Los Straitjackets; Nov. 11, WXPN Welcomes & Rising Sun Presents 10,000 Maniacs with Leigh Nash; Nov. 17, Rising Sun Presents A Musical Conversation with Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Thao and Yasmin Williams; Dec. 8, Jessica Lynn’s A Very Merry Country Christmas; Dec. 17, City Rhythm Orchestra Holiday Style 2023. 227 Bridge St. Times and tickets, TheColonialTheater.com
A Whole Lot of LuLu
October 14
Outdoor semi-annual flea market with local vendors selling handmade crafts, vintage items and more. Live music and kids activities. Bridge & Main Sts. 10 to 4. AWholeLotOfLuLu.com
Wine, Wit & Wisdom
November 2
Phoenixville Public Library’s largest fundraising event will include a silent auction, wine tasting, a sit-down dinner, an acclaimed author and more. RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve, 100 Rivercrest Dr. 6 to 9 pm. For tickets and registration, PhoenixvilleLibrary.org
6th Annual Phoenixville Bed Races
November 4
Race teams will build, decorate and race beds on wheels to raise funds for two Phoenixville organizations that provide shelter for the homeless, Ann’s Heart and Good Samaritan Services. Start at Reeves Park, 2nd Ave. & Main St. 11 am, race begins at noon. PXVBedRaces.org
Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce Charity Gala
November 18
A Masquerade at the Opera is the theme this year. Dinner, dancing and silent auction with great items. Rivercrest Golf Club & Preserve, 100 Golf Club Dr. 5:30. Visit website to register. PhoenixvilleChamber.org.
Burn Off the Bird 5K
November 25
Held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Jaycees 5K Race & 1-mile Fun Run begin and end at Franklin Commons, 400 Franklin Ave. Benefits the Phoenixville Jaycees Foundation to fund community events. 9 to 10:30 am. Phoenixville.org
Feel The Holiday Spirit in Phoenixville
December 1 – December 17
Dec. 1, First Friday Holiday Edition and tree lighting downtown, 6 to 8 pm; Dec. 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, Phoenixville Winter Market in the Main & Bridge Street parking lot from noon to 6 pm featuring vendors of unique, handcrafted items and various holiday activities. PhoenixvilleFirst.org.
Annual Candlelight
Holiday Tour
December 2
Decorated homes and churches, crafts, music, refreshments. Benefits Phoenixville Area Senior Center. The Tour begins at the Phoenixville Area Senior Center (parking is available) at 153 Church St. and self-guided tour, so you can go at your own pace. $25. 4 to 8. 610933-9181; PHXHolidayTour.Weebly.com.
Firebird Festival 2023
December 9
The mission of this annual event is to foster a collaboration of local artistic and creative talent and to enhance the cultural life of Phoenixville. Burning of the Firebird at Veteran’s Field, 192 Mowere Rd. 5 to 10 pm. $30–$140. FirebirdFestival.com
A Taste of Phoenixville
January 2024
A premier food, wine and beer event. Live music. Benefits the Good Samaritan Shelter. Franklin Commons, 400 Franklin Ave. 6 to 10. TasteOfPhoenixville.com
Austin Littrell and Mackenzie Taylor
SINCE
IN 1682, Chester County has had a history rife with mystery, chilling stories and creepy sites. Many visitors to our historical grounds have reported supernatural sightings through the centuries.
This October make it a family adventure with the kiddos to visit attractions ranging from Haunted Helicopters at American Helicopter Museum to the more daunting Pennhurst Haunted Asylum, which might have even the bravest
ghost hunters quaking. Choose from a wide variety of terrifying local experiences to fill up your spooky season, and be sure to check out these haunted happenings in County Lines country.
Start by gathering around for some classic spine-tingling Chester County ghost stories. These spooky tales and local legends are sure to leave you questioning every noise you hear.
Brandywine Battlefield. Battlefields are often sites of ghostly activity. So, it’s no surprise to find an eerie vibe at Thornbury Farm in Chadds Ford, the site of the final engagement in the bloody Battle of Brandywine. The Revolutionary War battle there saw hundreds of soldiers lose their lives when Washington’s troops fought the British Army in the largest single-day land battle of that war.
The property has mass graves of fallen soldiers, and the 1709 farmhouse is said to be
home to a ghostly wounded soldier, phantom horses and a crying child. Many soldiers who died during the battle are supposedly buried on the property, and their ghosts are said to have never left. 1491 Baltimore Pk., Chadds Ford. BrandywineBattlefield.org
The Ghost of General “Mad Anthony” Wayne. There’s always been an aura of mystery around General Anthony Wayne. A Revolutionary War hero and Founding Father, the general was perhaps better known as “Mad Anthony” for his daring and fiery personality. Wayne was born in Paoli on January 1, 1745 and died in 1796 in Erie, PA, where he was buried … for a while, at least.
Twelve years after Anthony’s passing, his son, Isaac, decided to move his father to the family plot in St. David’s graveyard back in Chester County. Isaac collected his father’s bones, reburied the rest of his body and belongings in Erie, and set off on his 400-mile journey home. Upon arriving in Wayne, Isaac was shocked to find some of his father’s bones had fallen out of the wagon along the way. Pennsylvania roads weren’t much smoother in the 1800s, it seems.
Legend has it that on Wayne’s birthday every New Year’s Day, the general’s ghost rises and travels across the state in search of his missing bones. Onlookers claim to have seen a man in colonial garb riding a horse
with “fire-flashing hoofs.” Wayne’s ghost has been spotted close to where the Battle of Brandywine took place and near Valley Forge. People say he appears fierce and determined. Mad, you might say.
The Lincoln Room. No, it’s not Lincoln’s ghost that haunts The Lincoln Room in West Chester. Before closing as a tea room a few years ago, The Lincoln Room had a long history, dating back to the late 18th century, when it sat across the street from the old West Chester jail, the root of its haunting.
A horse thief named John Tully was caught and sentenced to 60 days in that jail. As part of his punishment, Tully’s ears were cut off. Tully began screaming so loudly that he became a nuisance, so he was moved across the street to the Lincoln Room. His cries turned to unusual laughter before his eventual death. According to local legend, you can still hear his ghost scream and laugh in the dead of night. Stroll by some night and listen for yourself. If you dare. 28 W. Market St., West Chester.
Pennhurst Asylum. An asylum … need we say more? Located in Spring City, Pennhurst Asylum opened in 1908 as the State Institution for Epileptics and Feeble Minded, a live-in facility for disabled individuals. Over 10,000 patients entered Pennhurst during its nearly 80 years of
operation. Parents saw it as a place where their children would receive the care they needed, but they were seriously mistaken.
Sadly, too many of the patients were neglected and abused by the staff. The most vulnerable victims were often tortured for misbehaving. The institution was eventually forced to close its doors in 1987, after the broadcast of an exposé, “Suffer the Little Children,” and after it was found guilty of violating patients’ constitutional rights.
Today, property caretakers believe the buildings and underground tunnels to be haunted by angry spirits of victims who suffered and died there. Footsteps, cries and slamming doors can be heard when no one is around, and some report seeing the spirit of a little girl roaming the grounds. Each Halloween season, Pennhurst is a booming attraction for Spring City, with tours of the facility being offered to the public. Bridge & Church Sts., Spring City. PennhurstAsylum.com.
The Twin Tunnels. Tunnels can be scary on the best of nights, but the Twin Tunnels found along Valley Creek Road in Downingtown are considered some of the most haunted tunnels in the world. Legend says you can hear the cries of a baby along with the whispering of its mother, who is said to have hanged herself and then dropped the babe in her arms to its death. The tunnels
General “Mad Anthony” Wayne’s grave at St. David’s Episcopal Churchunder the railroad tracks are the site of several other deaths, suicides and even an unsolved murder. Locals advise that you not visit the location at night … when the ghosts are most active. Valley Creek Rd., Downingtown.
Want to experience hair-raising fun for yourself? Here’s just a sample of eerie events to attend during this spooky season.
Chilling West Chester: A Dark History Walking Tour. True tales of terror drawn from the archives — of murder, mischief and misadventure. Check out Chester County History Center’s seasonal offering, “Chilling West Chester: A Dark History” haunted walking tour. The tour features macabre stories of West Chester’s past, from killers to imprisonments to tragedies, while visiting notable landmarks in the Borough. Each year, the History Center hosts several 90-minute, 1.5-mile walks during October. Check their website for details. $18. Adults only. 225 N. High St., West Chester. MyCCHC.org.
Bates Motel Haunted House and Escape Room. Want the spooky sensations without the jumps, scares and screams? Then the Bates Motel Escape Room will get you in the Halloween spirit while testing your critical thinking skills. With hidden panels, levers, secret messages and much more, this escape room will test your group’s communication and problem-solving skills. Or, if you’re searching for that adrenaline rush with plenty of shocks and surprises, stop by the legendary Bates Motel Haunted House, Hayride and Trail. The hayride has been featured on the Travel Channel and rated as the #1 Haunted Attraction in America by CNN Travel, USA Today and other national publications. All attractions are jam-packed with terror and mayhem to scare the season festivities in you. Timed tickets. Escape
Room, $29.95. 540 E. Union St., West Chester. BatesMotelEscapeRooms. com. Haunted House, starting at $40. 1835 N. Middletown Rd., Glen Mills. TheBatesMotel.com
Haunted Helicopters. Celebrate this scary season with the entire family at the American Helicopter Museum’s Haunted Helicopters exhibit. This kid-friendly event typically features tons of helicopters and exhibits dressed up in costumes (scary and silly alike), a scavenger hunt in the museum and a prize at the end for those crafty kiddos who find it. Check the museum’s plans for this year’s event on their website, and prep your best Halloween costume in the meantime. Oct. 30. 1220 American Blvd., West Chester. HelicopterMuseum.org
Paoli Battlefield Paranormal Tour. What’s spookier than a historic battlefield? Perhaps a nighttime tour of “hot spots” of paranormal activity. Join the Paoli Battlefield Reservation Fund on a private tour of the grounds, led by Interstate Paranormal Research. Cameras, recorders and supernatural equipment are not only allowed but highly encouraged. Get ready to witness the eerie site where 53 soldiers were buried after a devastating midnight bayonet and sword attack by the British. Oct. 14 & 21, 7 p.m. $45. Monument & Wayne Aves., Malvern. PBPFInc.org/Tour
West Chester Haunted History Tour. Some say every house in West Chester is haunted. To see if you agree, take a Haunted History of Chester County lantern-lit walking tour across the heart of the Borough. Follow the guide who leads you on a 90-minute, one-mile journey through the haunted streets of town while sharing ghostly and strange stories. Check their website for tour dates and to learn more about what’s lurking in the shadows of this historic town. $10–$20. Corner of High & Market Sts., West Chester. ChescoTours.com ©
Bates Motel Haunted House, Hayride and Trail
AS PARENTS OF ANY COLLEGE-BOUND STUdent know, the process of helping your child find the right college can be a challenge in the best of times. The pandemic years certainly complicated the process. And this past June, the U.S. Supreme Court added to the mix when it struck down race-conscious college admissions, effectively ending affirmative action programs. Many believe this decision will have a domino effect on college admissions, adding more uncertainty to an already daunting process.
While the Supreme Court’s decision technically affects only the use of racial preferences, it hasn’t stopped speculation around what
THE LANDSCAPE HAS CHANGED, AND AREA PRIVATE SCHOOLS HELP NAVIGATE THE NEW TERRAIN.
other admission strategies may end next. These existing preferences include practices that tend to favor white and wealthy applicants, such as legacy admissions, athletic recruitment and standardized testing moving from test-optional to test-not-at-all.
So, is this an upheaval in college admissions or just another shift in an ever-evolving process to find that best match of college and student? And what are local private and independent schools doing to respond?
“The college admission landscape has evolved significantly in recent decades, and we feel that this [latest Supreme Court] ruling will drive continued evolution,” said Chris Torino, Assistant Head of School at Newtown Square’s Episcopal Academy.
Lauren Savage-Miller, Director of College Counseling at Villa Maria Academy in Malvern, shared this view. “Since Covid, college applicants have had to pivot left and right,” she said.
One of the significant recent changes in college admissions was eliminating the requirement of standardized test scores. After test centers closed during the pandemic and with no online option available, admissions offices were forced to make tests optional. Yet, that decision continues despite test centers having reopened and the introduction of a new digital option. According to FairTest, a nonprofit organization working to improve standardized testing, scores will remain optional or not required at 78% of four-year higher education institutions through 2024.
Savage-Miller, who worked as a college admissions officer for eight years before coming to Villa Maria, knows that an admissions factor doesn’t just go away. “If you don’t submit test scores, that’s a whole section of the application colleges can’t weigh you on. So, what takes that place?”
On the other hand, Director of College Counseling Alan Paynter at Sacred Heart Academy in Bryn Mawr, believes the decision to end affirmative action policies will have a broad impact all on its own. But his bigger concern right now is how to keep it from stressing his students. “Ultimately, I think everyone is affected — students, their families, high schools,” he said. “I think when the smoke clears, diversity will be impacted at schools, specifically at these elite schools.”
In the meantime, counselors still have students they’re trying to match with dream schools. “We are all running around — and everyone’s looking at the application and trying to decide how they are going to get that leg up,” Paynter said.
Many experts are now suggesting the essay may be the way to keep diversity and its impact in the admissions process. In fact, Chief Justice John Roberts said as much in the majority opinion: “Nothing prohibits universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected the applicant’s life, so long as that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability that the particular applicant can contribute to the university.”
I posed the question to Paynter: Are essays the answer?
“I’ve been thinking about this,” he said. “My worry is that students won’t write about what they want to write about because they feel the need to discuss [diversity]. What does that mean? Does the student not tell an amazing story they wanted to tell because they feel pressure to show something else?” He thinks not. “We’re talking about young people being hurt in an already stressful process,” he said. “That’s one more layer of stress that we just don’t want to see.” Episcopal Academy’s Torino is also focused on continuity. “Our college counseling mission will remain the same, regardless of this or future changes,” he said.
So, what does all this mean — changes or no changes, how do students stand out in an increasingly competitive environment?
“Academic excellence proves essential,” said Torino, who encourages students to prioritize their high school transcript and themselves. “It’s important for students to put forth their authentic selves in their application,” he said. “Own your process,” agreed Paynter. “If there’s something you want to shine, make a point to call attention to it.’
For Savage-Miller, the key to standing out starts before the application process. This advice isn’t limited to class selection or extracurricular activities, which are, of course, important. It also includes school selection. “I’m a big advocate for students being excited about the list of schools they apply to,” she said.
When students are excited about a school, they’re going to be eager to research it, eager to answer the questions, and eager to go beyond, Savage-Miller said. “Nothing is optional here.” She encourages students not only to write that extra essay but to do all the little things, too. Take a campus tour. Open the emails. Watch the video.
Here’s some final advice to students and parents as the application season begins. Stay true to yourself. “It’s important for students to put forth their authentic selves in their application,” said Torino. “Colleges value students who can speak with enthusiasm about their high school experiences and with depth regarding their rich academic and extracurricular successes.”
Work ahead. “Start the process early and break your timeline into manageable and attainable tasks,” suggested Torino. At Villa Maria, students come into their senior year with their essays completely written, a technique Savage-Miller recommends. “We’ve found it really helps with their stress level,” she said.
Apply to more schools. “If you asked me last year, five to seven schools would be enough. This year, eight to 10,” said Savage-Miller. Colleges don’t have enough staff to get through all the applications, so students are seeing more deferred decisions, she explained. It doesn’t mean students won’t get in, but that the school hasn’t had a chance to review the application. It can be a stressful response for the student. “It’s really for their comfort.”
Work your connections. “I value what those recommendations share,” said Paynter. “Our kids are humble. They don’t want to brag about themselves, so let someone else do that for you.”
Build a team. “Recognize you don’t have to go at this alone,” said Paynter, who was one of the first in his family to go to college. Rely on parents, counselors, teachers — whoever you need to help you through the application process. Then keep building that team. Paynter said once he got that acceptance letter, “I added more people to the team that helped me get through college.”
Keep perspective. Despite the thousands of amazing colleges, there are only a few dozen institutions that accept fewer than 10% of their applicants. Not everyone is getting into those colleges. “That doesn’t make you a bad student,” said Paynter. “I want students to come out of this process with their held high, knowing they are going to make a difference in this world.”
“Colleges are tracking that,” she said. “If there’s an interview opportunity, take it. Any opportunity to get in front of an admissions official, take it.”
Paynter agreed. “Take advantage of every opportunity that’s available to you at those schools to show your interest. Be a name,” he said. Then, relax and enjoy the process.
“Try to push the stress aside,” said Paynter, who visited 63 colleges helping his three kids settle on their lists. “I had a blast.” Get yourself a T-shirt and remember this is a two-way street, he said. “Colleges will spend more time and money trying to attract you than you will on them.”
Then get ready for the next exciting chapter of your life! ©
Waldorf education preserves the most important elements of childhood and allows imagination and confidence to bloom. Discover the warm and magical setting of our early childhood program. Register for our October 14 Open House.
Bryn Mawr
The Baldwin School
701 Montgomery Ave.; 610-525-2700; BaldwinSchool.org
At The Baldwin School, students are members of a supportive community where they can learn, grow and develop into confident women. Led by outstanding faculty and staff, their exceptional academics, renowned arts and competitive athletics provide many opportunities to innovate, create, explore and build lifelong friendships. A Baldwin girl can and will lead with curiosity, creativity and confidence!
Open House: Middle & Upper School (Grades 6–12): Oct. 12
Lower School (Grades Pre-K–5): Oct. 20
Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr
480 S. Bryn Mawr Ave.; 610-527-3915; SHABrynMawr.org
Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr (SHA) is an independent, Catholic, K-12, girls school. Small by design, SHA is also part of something larger — with 25 Sacred Heart schools in North America and 150+ schools in 41 countries — offering domestic and international exchange programs. Their unique Lower School Multi-Age Classrooms and Upper School dual enrollment with Villanova and Immaculata Universities set them apart, and their graduates attend leading universities.
Red & White Breakfast on the Hill Open House: Oct. 13, Nov. 3, 10,
Dec. 1, 9 to 11 am
Lower School Multi-Age Classroom (MAC) Virtual Information Sessions: Oct. 23, Nov. 27, Dec.11, 10 am
Upper School Virtual Information Session: Oct. 25, 6–7 pm
Upper School Shadow Days: Upon request beginning Oct. 12
St. Aloysius Academy
401 S. Bryn Mawr Ave.; 610-525-1670; StAloysiusAcademy.org
Founded in 1895 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Aloysius Academy is the only private, Catholic, all-boys, K–8 school in the Philadelphia five-county area. St. Aloysius Academy provides an engaging and challenging learning environment for boys that recognizes their needs and develops their gifts and talents. Within a faith-based setting, relational learning permeates the caring and formative atmosphere where each student can grow to be the best version of himself.
Open House: Oct. 18, Jan. 31, Mar. 13, 9 am
Schedule a private tour, Admissions@StAloysiusAcademy.org
Friends School Haverford
851 Buck Ln.; 610-642-2334; FriendsHaverford.org
The WONDER … of growing a pepper!
Students at Friends School Haverford experience in-depth exploration of complex topics. Whether it’s learning about growing food, historical heroes or local ecosystems, an FSH education is a time of wonder. Children leave as confident, critical thinkers with leadership skills to meet the future. Come visit and check out the wonder firsthand. Financial aid is available. Academic Excellence. Quaker Values. Wonder. Open House: Oct. 14, 10 am to noon; Nov. 9, Dec. 5 & Apr. 27, 9 to 11
Register: FriendsHaverford.org
Malvern Preparatory School
418 S. Warren Ave.
484-595-1100; MalvernPrep.org
Malvern Preparatory School is an independent Augustinian school for young men in grades 6 through 12, offering its students a nurturing, Catholic community in which they can grow and become the best possible version of themselves. The curriculum balances rigorous academics, extracurricular commitment, spiritual development and Christian service, providing an experience that places students at the center of learning.
Open House: Oct. 14, 9 am
Entrance Exams: Oct. 21, Nov. 12, Dec. 9, Jan. 7
Register: MalvernPrep.org/OpenHouse
Villa Maria Academy High School
370 Central Ave.; 610-644-2551; VMAHS.org
Villa Maria Academy High School is a Catholic preparatory school located on a beautiful, 45-acre campus. The curriculum is designed to empower young women with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and beyond. Students explore their passions on the lacrosse turf, at mock trial debates, in theatrical productions and through service. Cherished traditions connect students to each other, alumnae and 150 years of Villa Maria excellence.
Fall Open House: Oct. 1, 9 am to noon, register online
8th Grade Entrance-Scholarship Exams: Oct. 15
8th Grade Visit Villa Days: Oct. 4 & 24, Nov. 7, 8 & 29 Register at VMAHS.org
125 W. 3rd St.; 610-565-1960; MPFS.org
A Quaker school for students age 2 through grade 8 that awakens the passion and potential of all individuals, within a welcoming, diverse community led by Quaker values. A close-knit learning community, MPFS offers students big views of the world ahead. In small classes, under the caring tutelage of early childhood, elementary school and adolescent experts who are passionate about teaching, students from diverse backgrounds and faiths grow up together.
Virtual Open House: Oct. 27, Dec. 15, Mar. 1, May 17 RSVP to a Virtual Open House at MPFS.org/RSVP
Episcopal Academy
1785 Bishop White Dr. 484-424-1400; EpiscopalAcademy.org
Episcopal Academy, a Pre-K–12, coeducational, independent day school, offers a classical yet innovative academic program, renowned for excellence in the humanities and sciences and focused on social responsibility and ethical leadership. Episcopal’s commitment to individual attention and to building an engaging, supportive school experience builds self-confidence and fosters a love of learning in all students.
Lower School Open House: Oct. 14
Middle & Upper School Open House: Oct. 15 Register at EpiscopalAcademy.org/Events
410 W. Seven Stars Rd.
610-933-3635; Kimberton.org
KWS’s expansive 430-acre campus serves as the backdrop for preschool through 12th grade students who benefit from a holistic, experiential and academically rich approach to education. The intentional and carefully aligned curriculum integrates the arts and the natural world every day. Waldorf education preserves the most important elements of childhood and allows imagination and confidence to bloom. Register for Open House.
Open House: Early Childhood: Oct. 14, Apr. 13
Lower School: Oct. 3, Nov. 29, Feb. 1, Mar. 15
High School: Nov. 2, Mar. 5
Renaissance Academy
413 Fairview St.
610-983-4080; RAK12.org
A tuition-free, college prep, fully-accredited, public charter school for grades K–12. Their mission is to prepare children for success as students, workers and citizens by providing them with a high-quality liberal arts, college preparatory education.
Open Houses: Oct. 10, Jan. 17, Apr. 16, 6:30 pm
The Agnes Irwin School
275 S. Ithan Ave.
610-801-1869; AgnesIrwin.org
What sets The Agnes Irwin School apart is its commitment to the holistic development of each girl — academics, arts and athletics — and encouraging students to make connections in learning, to think outside the box and to forge their own path. AIS is a school where girls cheer each other on, not compete against one another — a community that champions everyone, nurtures relationships and fosters the joy in learning.
All School Open House: Oct. 19, 6 pm; Apr. 17, 8:30 am
Athletic Open House: Nov. 2, 7 pm
The PA Cyber Charter School
Phila. Area Regional Office, 825 Baltimore Pk. 888-722-9237; PACyber.org
The learning never stops at PA Cyber, one of the nation’s largest, most experienced and most successful online public schools. PA Cyber’s personalized instructional methods and curricula connect students and families with highly qualified teachers and rich academic content. Enrollment is open to any school-age child residing in PA, and the school does not charge tuition. Online Info Sessions: Visit PACyber.org/Session
Academy of Notre Dame de Namur
560 Sproul Rd.; 610-971-0498; NDAPA.org
The Academy of Notre Dame is a premier independent, Catholic, college-preparatory school for girls in grades 6–12. Students thrive in a rich learning environment, featuring global learning opportunities and trips abroad, student wellbeing program, and state-of-the-art centers for the Arts and STEM. Located on 39 acres in Villanova, Notre Dame recently hosted the Sisters in STEM Symposium, welcoming students around the world and hosting a keynote with astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison.
Fall Open House: Oct. 1
Walk-in Wednesdays: Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6
Entrance Exams: Oct. 14, Oct. 21
415 N. High St.
610-696-2937; WCFriends.org
Academically enriched, coed elementary education. In the Friends Play School (age 3), Early Childhood (pre-K and K) and grades 1 through 5, students “Listen, Learn, Wonder, Decide.” In Quaker values context: respect, responsibility to community, peaceful conflict resolution. Studio art and art history, music, STEM, Spanish, physical education, technology, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, community service. Flexible Tuition. BC/AC, 7:30 am to 6 pm. Ongoing enrollment. Summer camp open to all.
Call 610-696-2937 or email Admissions@WCFriends.org for a tour
1501 Barley Mill Rd., 302-998-2292; Tatnall.org
At Tatnall, students in Pre-K3–12 experience an exceptional education that unlocks their passion for learning. Every student has opportunities to explore endless possibilities through challenging academic, artistic and athletic programs. The devoted teachers, coaches and community members are the driving force behind the school’s success. The strong bonds formed at Tatnall between students and educators foster devotion to learning, enabling students to unleash their full potential and nurture their great minds.
Call or visit their website to schedule your tour today
2450 Hamilton Ave.; 215-657-2200
CenterSchoolPA.org
Celebrating 35 years of academic excellence. In 1989, two mothers had a vision to create a learning environment in which students with educational gaps could feel supported and successful, and Center School was born. Students experience incredible educational growth as a result of their renowned, well-respected and effective programming. It’s a small community with low student-teacher ratios. Their faculty has collectively over 150 years of experience, with the majority holding master’s degrees and certifications in meeting the academic and social needs of students.
Call to schedule a personal tour for your family
The WONDER … of growing a pepper!
Students at Friends School Haverford experience in-depth exploration of complex topics. Whether it’s learning about growing food, historical heroes, or local ecosystems, an FSH education is a time of wonder. Children leave as confident, critical thinkers with leadership skills to meet the future.
Come visit and check out the wonder first-hand.
OPEN HOUSE DATES:
October 14, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
November 9, 9 –11 a.m.
December 5, 9 – 11 a.m.
April 27, 9 - 11:00 a.m. FINANCIAL
An independent Quaker School serving three-year-olds through fifth grade students in the historic borough of West Chester
Spanish • Art, Music and Theater
STEM and Environmental Studies
Yoga and Mindfulness • Resident Hens
Outdoor Classroom • Quaker Leadership Team
Introducing: Forest School Fridays in Kindergarten
For more information, call Barbara Rowe, Director of Admissions, 610-696-2937
West Chester Friends School
Growing the Light in Every Child 415 N. High St. West Chester, Pennsylvania www.wcfriends.org
1200 River Rd.; 215-483-2461; AIMPA.org
AIM provides extraordinary educational opportunities through a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum to children in Gr. 1–12. AIM is the Philadelphia area’s largest school for children with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Students experience a rich, research-based curriculum and a range of elective and extracurricular arts, music, club and athletic opportunities. Discover AIM for Innovative Teaching and Fearless Learning.
Virtual Information Sessions: Oct. 13, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, 9 am
Oct. 25, Nov. 15, Dec. 13, noon
484-798-5752; PAEducationReferrals@Devereux.org
Enrolling students at all locations: Downingtown, West Chester, Landenberg, Audubon and Glenmoore. Since 1912, Devereux has offered outstanding and innovative educational programming and now has five PDE Approved Private Schools in Chester County and one PDE Approved Private School in Montgomery County. Small classroom ratios allow for individualized instruction/ support in a safe and therapeutic setting for students with a variety of learning differences. Devereux unlocks and nurtures students’ potential by implementing school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and offering community-based instruction, school-based mental health services and a continuum of related services. PDE 4010 funding available. Schedule a tour today
6201 Kennett Pk.
302-571-0230; CentrevilleLayton.org
Centreville Layton School offers a robust educational and cultural experience for students who learn differently. The program identifies the academic and social needs of the individual and provides a curriculum that focuses on problem solving and critical thinking. Through intervention and strengthening learning strategies, the school empowers each student to reach his or her potential. Pre-K–12th grade.
Open House: First Wed. of the month, 9 to 11 am
Virtual Open House: Options available
977 Shavertown Rd., 610-358-3632; DarlingtonArts.org
Darlington Arts Center is a community arts center that connects people by providing Every Art for Everyone. They offer programs to all ages and abilities. From their preschool program to after school classes to creative aging workshops, Darlington has something for everyone. Register for a workshop, class or private lesson in music, art, dance or drama today by visiting their website. Schedule a tour today
EVERYONE STILL LOVES TALKING REAL ESTATE. Even in a tight market. And yes, it’s true 2023 has seen a significant slowdown in the housing market, even in our special corner of the country. While we’ve learned from past conversations with local agents the real estate market is local — even hyper-local — there’s no escaping certain overarching factors.
For the fall market — which started Labor Day and runs until sellers tire of buyers walking through their holiday decorations — we checked in with local experts to learn more.
Top of mind for most are mortgage interest rates, which continued to increase and linger around 7.5% for a 30-year fixed rate at press time. Many buyers remain fixated on the historic low rates in the 3% range, immobilizing them while wishing, hoping and dreaming of big rate drops. Yet even if lower rates reappear, they’d draw out more buyers and fuel the frenzy and competition of years past. So not necessarily a dream come true.
Inventory of homes on the market is also still tight, continuing the seller’s market. And with limited inventory, sale prices keep rising. It’s those high home prices that make the 7.5% mortgage rates of today more impactful on a family budget than when rates were equally high or higher years ago, yet home prices were markedly lower.
Kit Anstey, of the Kit Anstey Real Estate Team, said, “Many who try to wave away the consequences of higher rates overlook the significant increase in home prices.” For example, average home prices in the West Chester Area School District have increased dramatically, from $480,000 in 2021, to $636,000 in 2022, to $708,000 in 2023, said Anstey.
Yet other factors that remain constant are the ongoing needs of some buyers for a new home — job moves, family needs, lifestyle changes — along with certain sellers being ready to give up their cherished 3% mortgage and get on with their lives. Stephen Gross, of the Holly Gross Group, said homeowners with substantial equity in their longtime homes are selling and paying cash for a smaller retirement home, thus avoiding the mortgage market, at least for now.
And agents agree it’s a truth universally acknowledged that a well-maintained property in a good location at a fair price will still get multiple offers. Missy Schwartz, of Berkshire Hathaway, has a mantra: “Price, condition, location are still the factors to focus on.” And if the price is set competitively, there will likely be multiple bids — many over asking price and some with escalation clauses (agreeing to pay a set amount above other bids, based on an offer strategy).
For high-end properties, condition is especially important among the three key factors, said Karen Nader of Monument Sotheby’s.
BUT CREATIVE THINKING CAN HELP
“Turnkey condition is highly valuable in luxury properties. But even in a seller’s market, the right price and good location continue to be important factors.”
In fall 2023, agents are seeing what Nader described as “weary spring bidders replaced with eager buyers and investors who have changed some of their earlier decisions.” The market is meeting these buyers with new mortgage products and other strategies.
For example, early 2023 saw more adjustable-rate mortgages. But now adjustable rates are too close to the prevailing rate (often only about .25% less), making this option less attractive.
Both Deb Sparre, of RE/MAX, and Gary Scheivert, of Gary Scheivert & Associates, mentioned a new mortgage product: the 3-2-1 buydown mortgage, where (simplifying greatly) the interest rate paid is 3% below a set rate in year one, 2% below in year two, 1% below in year three, and then increases to a predetermined rate in year four and through the remaining term, when refinancing may be an option. This mortgage, where sellers pay the buydown costs, can be attractive to homeowners expecting significant increases to income (early in careers) or decreases to expense (daycare costs end with public school), said Sparre.
“Buyers are paying points to make their mortgage payments more affordable,” said Antsey, noting another way to help buyers handle higher rates. The cash to pay points may be offset by a seller’s assist or from a builder, but is generally borne by the buyer.
In addition, there’s an increased use of quick sales with deadlines. This typically happens when a seller’s agent gets an offer on the first day or days of an open house, with lots of interest. An email is sent to interested buyers and agents requesting all offers be submitted soon — perhaps 48 hours. The rationale is that serious buyers have been looking and are knowledgeable and can make quick decisions. The bidding war generates interest, pressure and, it’s hoped, a higher sales price.
Another change: fewer agents are selling real estate. Over 60,000 agents have left the profession nationally in the first half of 2023, according to the National Association of Realtors. Given the challenges, is it any wonder?
While many agents observe more rationality in the market after the frothy early 2020s — like a return of mortgage, appraisal and inspection contingencies — others see these conditions as highly negotiable, with every deal being customizable. Generally, mortgage contingencies are less important when buyers come preapproved to
the deal (waiving the mortgage contingency still allows buyers to get a mortgage).
For appraisals, buyers are agreeing to absorb additional costs between the appraised value and mortgage secured. And with inspection contingencies, some agents suggest being highly selective, like getting that septic inspection! Still, the cleanest offer wins, said Schwartz.
With pressure to build more homes to add to the inventory, some builders offer mortgage rates slightly lower than market, like 6.5%. Another strategy to drive sales of inventory is to offer credits to cover buyers’ closing costs. The home sales price stays high and covered by the mortgage, but the buyer gets the benefit of paying lower closing costs out of pocket, said Gross.
In addition to varying contingencies, other advantages and accommodations are being offered, including:
• Buyers placing earnest money in escrow within 24 hours (rather than five days, as in the standard sales contract) to prevent lost sales due to buyer’s remorse.
• Buyers paying a nonrefundable deposit, say $50,000, to demonstrate commitment to the sale.
• Buyers paying the seller’s 1% transfer tax, which may not sound significant until you do the math for a $1 million sale.
• Sellers staying in the home for an extended period, rent-free, especially important to sellers who are downsizing or need extra time.
• Sellers in historically less popular neighborhoods seeing more interest as buyers increase their search radius.
Yes, it is a seller’s market. Even when it comes to buying land, the inventory is tight, said Mark Willcox of Country Properties. A strategy he suggests for buyers is to determine if the property is currently under conservation easement. Working with an experienced agent and one of the many local land conservancies, buyers may discover a range of financial benefits (income tax, some real estate tax advantages) in addition to emotional benefits of protecting the land.
While the current real estate market may seem like complete chaos or the Wild West to some, experienced agents counsel taking a deep breath, being prepared and not trying to time the market. “It is what it is, but benefits of ownership outweigh the costs,” said Gross.
“Buyers need to be prepared for an emotional roller coaster,” said Sparre. “Some buyers have had to make eight offers before finding their home.” But those buyers did find their new home, so there are still happy endings. ©
Buyers need to be prepared for an emotional roller coaster. Some buyers have had to make eight offers before finding their home.
Elizabeth Hughes
IS THERE ANYTHING MORE elegant than a martini? And by martini we mean a gin or vodka cocktail served straight up in a martini glass.
Though cocktails come in and out of style, the classic martini remains timeless. So timeless, in fact, that even its origins have fallen into the realm of legend.
There’s fierce debate among martini lovers and historians about the origin of the drink. Many believe it was invented in San Francisco, in the late 1850s or early 1860s, by the Occidental Hotel’s famed bartender “Professor” Jerry Thomas for a miner headed for Martinez, California. Originally consisting of sweet gin, vermouth, bitters and Maraschino liqueur, the recipe — and name — have since evolved. Others attribute the martini to a bartender at New York City’s Knickerbocker Hotel, who made the cocktail for John B. Rockefeller in 1911.
Regardless of its history, it’s clear that the martini has become a truly iconic cocktail. Though purists believe it should only be made with dry gin and just a hint of vermouth, martinis are now commonly mixed with vodka and other spirits, and creative bartenders have come up with endless martini variations.
Here are a few special recipes from local bars and restaurants, including some that are perfect for fall. Cheers!
From Amani’s North in Downingtown
• 2 oz. local apple cider (Northbrook Orchards recommended)
• 1.5 oz. Boardroom Spirits vodka
• ½ oz. Boardroom Spirits orange liqueur
• ½ oz. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. honey-thyme syrup
• Apple slice
• Cinnamon sugar (optional)
Fill shaker with ice, then add apple cider, vodka, orange liqueur, lemon juice and honey-thyme syrup. Shake, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an apple slice and, optionally, cinnamon-sugar rim.
From Pietro’s Prime Steakhouse & Martini Bar in West Chester
• 6 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. olive juice
• Olives, preferably blue cheese-stuffed
Add vodka and olive juice to a shaker with ice.
Shake well. Strain in a martini glass. Add olives for garnish.
From The Fenix Bar & Lounge in Phoenixville
• 1.5 oz. Tito’s vodka
• ¾ oz. Chambord
• ½ oz. prosecco
• Splash of pineapple juice
Add vodka, Chambord, prosecco and pineapple juice to a shaker.
Shake, then strain into a martini glass.
From Black Powder Tavern in Wayne
• 1 C. ice cubes
• 2 oz. vanilla vodka
• 1 oz. Irish cream liqueur
• 1 oz. pumpkin spice syrup
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Pour in vodka, Irish cream liqueur and pumpkin spice syrup over ice.
Cover and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted.
Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
From The Towne House in Media
• 1.5 oz. Jameson whiskey*
• ½ oz. Guinness Demerara syrup
• ½ oz. coffee liqueur
• 1 shot fresh Lavazza espresso
• 3 dashes cocoa bitters
Add all ingredients to a shaker. Shake, then double strain into a coupe glass.
*Note: Many espresso martini recipes use vodka, but this is an Irish-inspired take on the drink.
From La Verona in Kennett Square
• 1.5 oz. Ketel One citrus vodka
• 1 oz. Cointreau
• 1.5 oz. Pallini limoncello
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• ½ oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Add vodka, Cointreau, limoncello, simple syrup and lemon juice to a shaker with ice. Shake for 30 to 35 seconds.
Rim glass with sugar. Strain drink into a martini glass.
Garnish with lemon wedge or peel.
Over the years, the martini has sparked extensive debate — dry or wet, shaken or stirred, how to garnish. This summer, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer introduced us to the titular scientist’s special recipe: extra dry, in a chilled glass rimmed with lime juice and honey.
We asked James Coleman, beverage manager at Le Cavalier in the Hotel Du Pont, how he serves a classic martini. His preferred gin-to-vermouth ratio is 5:1 — 2.5 oz. Monkey 47 gin and ½ oz. Dolin Blanc vermouth, along with a dash of orange bitters. He makes it “stirred with a twist,” or garnished with a lemon peel.
Dueling Donuts. Donut lovers rejoice! Wander down to the new Wanderlust Doughnuts, where owner Vincent Mignone serves up all-natural artisan donuts (plus vegan and gluten-free options). Flavors include gingerbread, mascarpone-filled, pomegranate/blueberry crumble, dark chocolate with sea salt and more. Coming soon to downtown West Chester is Rose’s Little Donuts. Follow along with their journey on Instagram @RosesLittleDonuts to learn more. 119 W. State St., Kennett Square. Steveh301.sg-host.com 22 N. Darlington St., West Chester. RosesLittleDonuts.square.site.
Café to Candlelight. Classy café by day, sophisticated dining by night is the latest at Bar Reverie. The expertly crafted, travel-inspired menus range from breakfast pastries and coffee to French-inflected dinner options including Filet Mignon Au Bordelaise and Petit Poulet Roti. Bask in the black-and-white ambiance and peruse the 100-bottle curated wine list from around the globe. On-staff sommeliers and semi-private tasting bar are more reasons to return. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner. 4017 Kennett Pk., Greenville, DE. BarReverie.com
Shared Brews. Interested in local breweries? Check out BrewedAt, a social media venture started by two Temple University grads that takes followers on virtual tours of the craft beer scene locally and beyond. Follow as the duo visits different breweries, sharing fun videos of their food and drink samplings and recommendations, including at Chester County faves like Root Down, Victory and Locust Lane Brewing Companies. You can almost taste the brews. On Instagram @BrewedAt.
Lunar Meal. Join 22 diners around a communal table in Baba Bucha’s Phoenixville tasting room for a Full Moon Feast on October 28, the sixth dinner celebrating the full moon tradition. Chef Olga Sorzano, owner of Baba’s Brew, serves up a themed dinner keyed to the moon — October’s Hunter’s Moon meal features bison, duck and seasonal ingredients. Designed to feed both body and soul, the tasting experience is part of a recurring series. $125, tickets online. 333 Morgan St., Phoenixville. BabasBrew.com
Southern Sweets. Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Butter Pecan Café, newly opened in Coatesville’s Small Business Incubator. Featured Southern desserts include banana pudding, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, 7-Up cake and more, like triple chocolate mousse cake. Try the shop’s specialty — butter pecan ice cream, of course — the owner’s family favorite. Open Fridays, 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with pop-up hours. Pre-orders encouraged.
TheButterPecanCafe
228 Lincoln Hwy., Coatesville.
A few of our favorite things to share this month about local food and drink
CORN CHIPS AND GUACAmole by Taste of Puebla, ravioli by Vera Pasta Co. and locally grown fruits and veggies by Mickley’s Orchard & Farm are some of the treats you can usually find on Megan Muchbach’s shopping list when she visits the Phoenixville Farmers’ Market a couple times a month. As the weather starts cooling down in October, she begins cooking warm and hearty meals for her family of four that lives in Wayne. Squash is a popular ingredient in their household this time of year, whether acorn, butternut or kabocha. “We cook easy things when school starts since I’m also a teacher,” she says, while her three-year-old son plays in the kids’ activity area situated in the center of the market.
The vibe at the market is a social one, where you can see regular shoppers chatting it up with each other in between their
stops to vendors like Hickory Grove Gardens, Wild Fox Provisions and Sweet Water Baking Company, among 27 or so others. “I grew up in town and love the market here and saw it bring the town together,” says Max Kulp, who serves as the day-of market manager every other week. Revitalizing the downtown was one of the primary goals of Liz and Bill Anderson when they founded the market 20 years ago.
While many vendors have been with the market for years, one recent addition is Fungified Farm, owned by Alethea Kidd of Telford, Montgomery County, which joins longtime vendors such as Cucina Verde, owned by Annmarie Cantrell of Birdsboro in Berks County. Cantrell’s husband, Sam, handles the sales at market and also grows the main ingredients that go into their seven varieties of krauts made using Chinese and European cabbages.
Many shoppers are regular faces to vendors, but some are still discovering the market for the first time, including Annie Bryant from Exton, who was with her significant other, Javin McIntosh, from New Jersey, on a recent Saturday. A regular at the Eagleview Farmers Market, Bryant was happy to see a familiar nut butter stand, Nutty Novelties, since she’s a big fan of their cinnamon almond variety. The couple were especially drawn to the fresh and colorful selection of fruits and vegetables. Sweet potatoes and tomatillos are some of their favorites this time of year. “I blanch and blend the tomatillos to make salsa verde,” McIntosh says, adding he loves to cook. “You can use it as a sauce on so many different things.”
Here’s a taste of what October has to offer — recipes from vendors and friends of the market to inspire your dinner menu this fall!
This easy and comforting meal is a vegan take on beef Wellington that’s sure to be enjoyed by your dinner guests. Alethea Kidd was inspired to make this dish because her husband is vegan and she wanted to make something special for him around the holidays. Oyster mushrooms add a meatiness to this dish that can also be made vegetarian. The filling can be made a day or two ahead. Pairs well with sweet potatoes and a green salad followed by a small bowl of Mickley’s Orchard & Farm’s Honeycrisp Applesauce for dessert.
Serves 5 to 6
Located along the Schuylkill River Trail, under the Gay Street Bridge, the market is easy for community members to access on foot every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon from fall through winter before they’re back to longer hours during the late spring and summer months.
There’s typically live entertainment — a local musician or an author who offers storytime for kids — with the underside of the bridge serving as a picturesque backdrop. It doesn’t take long to see that this market is a magnet for the entire family, given the number of children and dogs in attendance.
If you’re visiting by car, either use free parking on Bridge Street and walk a block to the market, or pay for hourly parking right by the market.
You can expect to find produce, meat, flowers, cheese, baked goods, craft vendors and more. To learn more, visit PhoenixvilleFarmersMarket.org.
1 sheet puff pastry (refrigerated or frozen)
½ large eggplant
½ lb. oyster or mixed exotic mushrooms
½ large onion, coarsely chopped
Extra virgin olive oil
½ 15-oz. can white kidney (cannellini) beans, drained and rinsed
2 garlic cloves, peeled
½ tsp. chili flakes (optional)
½ tsp. salt, plus more to taste
Pepper to taste
5 slices of cheese, optional (regular, such as Gouda, or any meltable vegan cheese)
1 T. vegan milk (such as nut milk) or dairy milk
For the filling:
Defrost puff pastry if using frozen.
Peel eggplant and cut into even slices, about ½ inch thick.
Cut off the bottom of the mushroom stems (leaving the remainder of the stem) and roughly chop.
Peel the onion, and cut into slices.
Place the eggplant, mushrooms and onions on a baking sheet and spray or drizzle with oil. Roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the ingredients are brown and soft. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Place the beans, garlic cloves, chili flakes and salt in a food processor or blender.
Pulse until blended, then add in the mushroom and eggplant mixture. Pulse a few more times until chopped but not pureed. Add in more salt and pepper to taste.
For the Wellington:
Preheat the oven to 425°.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully unroll one sheet of puff pastry dough directly onto the parchment paper.
Using a knife, cut strips about an inch thick on both sides of the long edge of the dough. Be sure to leave the middle third uncut.
Spread the filling on the uncut portion of the dough. If using cheese, place slices on top of the mixture.
Fold in the top and bottom end portions of the dough to the first cut lines. Next, fold in one strip on the top-left side towards the middle, followed by folding in one strip on the top-right side towards the middle. Alternate sides continuing downward to form a lattice pattern. Pinch to seal the final two strips.
Brush with vegan milk (nut milk works best) or dairy milk.
Place the Wellington in the oven and cook for 25 to 40 minutes, until browned and crispy. Serve immediately.
Store any leftovers in a sealed container for up to three days in the refrigerator.
This salad by Annmarie Cantrell is part sweet from the leeks, shiitake mushrooms and apple, and part sour from the kraut. Pairs well with roasted chicken or braised French lentils for a vegetarian option.
Serves 4
Phoenixville marks the last in our market series. Covering the markets reminded me that what’s special about venturing out of the neighborhood to enjoy other markets in Chester County and beyond is that it’s an open invitation to the heart and soul of the town you’re visiting.
Each unique market acts as a pulse to a community and serves as a vital gathering space. It’s a chance to connect with the faces behind the food, meet new people and try new things on your plate, all while showing support for our regional growers and makers.
Fall and winter hours at most markets offer the opportunity to continue supporting your local market, as well as a chance to continue exploring what’s to offer in communities beyond your own!
Garnish with parsley for serving.
Store in a sealed container for up to two days in the refrigerator.
Javin McIntosh loves when tomatillos are in season to make salsa verde, which he uses often, including for a topping on steak and as a dipping sauce for grilled chicken. The salsa also works as a great dinner appetizer paired with Taste of Puebla corn chips, available at the market.
Serves 2
2 large leeks, washed and sliced thinly
1 lb. local shiitake mushrooms, sliced thinly
1 tsp. whole grain or Dijon mustard
Sea salt to taste
1 medium apple, sliced thinly (Cantrell prefers gala)
Juice of 1 lemon
½ C. Cucina Verde Apple Fennel Kraut
Parsley, chopped (for garnish when serving)
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add leeks and saute until they begin to soften.
Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Add mustard and stir through.
Season with salt and place in a bowl to cool.
Add apple slices, lemon juice and kraut. Stir to combine.
10 tomatillos, husked and blanched
1 small red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 jalapeño peppers, chopped
¼ C. fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt to taste
Place blanched tomatillos in a food processor or blender with onion, garlic, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, salt and pepper. Pulse or
blend to desired consistency.
Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to two days in the refrigerator.
You can’t go wrong with an apple-based crisp for dessert this time of year, which also gives you an excuse to feature a variety of local apples from the farmers market. Much easier to pull off than a pie, this gluten-free crisp includes cherries that add a pop of color as well as a tartness to balance the sweetness of the apples. Featured in the Kimberton Whole Foods Cookbook, this is a beloved recipe by my co-author Pat Brett, who often makes it with her grandchildren who pitch in with apple chopping. Serving the crisp warm with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream is a must!
Serves 6 to 8
Topping ingredients:
½ C. raw sugar
¾ C. gluten-free rolled oats
½ C. ground almonds or almond flour
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. Himalayan pink salt (or standard salt)
½ C. (1 stick) butter, melted
Apple-cherry mixture ingredients:
6 medium-to-large apples
3 tsp. lemon juice
½ C. dried cherries, tart or sweet
½ C. raw sugar
½ C. pure maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
2 T. arrowroot or cornstarch
1 tsp. cinnamon
Making the topping:
Preheat the oven to 350°.
Butter a large, round ceramic or glass baking dish and set aside. In a medium bowl, mix the topping ingredients together — sugar, oats, almonds (or almond flour), cinnamon, nutmeg and
salt — until well combined.
Add melted butter and mix until blended. Set aside. Making the apple-cherry mixture:
Peel, quarter and core three apples. Quarter and core the remaining three apples, leaving the peel intact. Slice apple quarters into ¼- to ½-inch slices. Place in a large bowl, add lemon juice and stir.
Add dried cherries, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, arrowroot (or cornstarch) and cinnamon. Stir gently to evenly coat apples and distribute the dried cherries.
Pour apple mixture into the buttered baking dish, pressing down lightly and mounding the apples a bit in the center of the dish.
Spoon the topping over the apples, not coating evenly, to enable some apples to show through.
Place the baking dish on a larger cookie sheet to catch any drippings that occur during baking.
Bake for 30 minutes, until the apples are soft when tested with a fork, the crisp is bubbling and topping is browned. Bake an additional 5 to 10 more minutes, if needed.
Allow to cool for a half an hour before serving. Ideally served warm with homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Store any leftovers of the crisp in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. ©
Courtney Diener-Stokes is an award-winning journalist, author, food writer, photographer and food stylist. Most recently she co-authored the Kimberton Whole Foods Cookbook and Farmhouse Manna: Nourishing Recipes and Rituals for Head, Heart, Hands & Soul. She lives in the Oley Valley countryside with her husband, three children, two Babydoll Southdown sheep, a flock of bantam chickens and a Bernedoodle named Daisy.
For more great recipes visit CountyLinesMagazine.com
